HENRY SMEDLEY SENTENCED IN BATH FOR CRUELTY TO DOG AND CAT

In December 2020, a disturbing case of animal cruelty emerged from Bath involving Henry Smedley, a 26-year-old man from Peasedown St John. Smedley was found guilty of inflicting severe physical injuries on two animals, a cat and a dog, leading to his immediate imprisonment and a lifetime ban on keeping animals.

The investigation was initiated by the RSPCA after receiving multiple reports from concerned witnesses who observed Smedley mistreating animals at his residence. These reports prompted inspectors to conduct a thorough inquiry into the welfare of the animals in his care. Veterinary examinations subsequently confirmed the suspicions of abuse, revealing that both the cat, Maisie, and the dog, Lola, had suffered significant blunt force trauma, injuries that had gone untreated for some time.

Maisie, a ten-month-old tortoiseshell cat, was brought to a veterinary clinic by Smedley himself. He claimed that he was worried about her life after allegedly finding her drowning in a bath he had left unattended. However, veterinary professionals determined that Maisie had been dead for several hours before she was taken to the vet. Her physical condition was alarming; she was emaciated, indicating prolonged neglect, and her injuries did not align with drowning. Instead, the injuries suggested trauma, with the vet reports revealing 31 fractured ribs, three fractured vertebrae, and a dislocated sternum.

Similarly, Lola, a three-year-old Jack Russell terrier, was found in a small cage, underweight, with her ribs, spine, and pelvic bones clearly visible. Radiographs confirmed that Lola had suffered seven fractured ribs, with some fractures showing signs of healing, indicating they had occurred at different times and had not been treated by a veterinarian. The evidence pointed to ongoing abuse and neglect.

Henry Smedley appeared before Bristol Magistrates Court on December 7, where he admitted to the charges related to both animals. His admission led to a sentence of 23 weeks in prison, with the court also imposing a lifelong ban on him owning or caring for any animals. The RSPCA has since rehomed Lola, who is now living happily with her new owners, away from the abusive environment she endured.

This case highlights the importance of animal welfare laws and the role of organizations like the RSPCA in protecting vulnerable animals from cruelty and neglect. The community in Bath and Peasedown St John can rest assured that individuals like Smedley are held accountable for their actions, and justice has been served for Maisie and Lola.