HARRY LOCKER FROM HOPTON SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY INVOLVING FERRETS AND CHICKEN NEAR DISS

Harry Locker, a resident of Nethergate Street in Hopton near Diss, has been convicted in 2024 for a disturbing act of animal cruelty that shocked the local community and drew the attention of animal welfare authorities. Born on January 7, 2000, Locker was found guilty of deliberately causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, specifically a white chicken, by placing it into a cage with ferrets and recording the horrifying incident.

The incident came to light after a concerned member of the public reported the disturbing scene to the RSPCA, describing how the bird had been intentionally put in with the ferrets. This report prompted an investigation, during which authorities seized Locker’s phone and discovered three videos depicting the ferrets attacking and killing the chicken. The footage showed the ferrets biting and tearing at the bird, which was subjected to this brutal assault for approximately three minutes before succumbing to its injuries.

Veterinary experts who examined the videos confirmed that the suffering inflicted on the chicken was directly caused by Locker’s actions. They noted that the bird endured a prolonged and agonizing attack, with the animal taking around three minutes to die as it was repeatedly bitten and attacked by the ferrets. The distressing nature of the footage was described as very difficult to watch by RSPCA Inspector Caroline Richardson, who expressed her concern over the cruelty involved.

In her statement following the case, Inspector Richardson emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “The footage is very difficult to watch. Animals are sentient creatures who feel emotions and this poor bird was made to suffer for almost three minutes while it was attacked. I am pleased the defendant has been held to account for his actions. I hope this case sends out a clear message that deliberate cruelty of this kind is not ever acceptable.”

As part of the legal proceedings, the ferrets involved in the attack were signed over to the RSPCA for appropriate care and rehoming. During the court hearing, Locker offered mitigation by citing mental health issues, describing his actions as foolish and regrettable.

In sentencing, the court imposed an 18-month community order, requiring Locker to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £1,964, including a victim surcharge. The court also banned Locker from keeping all animals except for dogs for a period of five years, a restriction set to expire in January 2029. This case underscores the ongoing efforts of animal welfare organizations to combat cruelty and protect vulnerable creatures in the region near Diss and Hopton.