JACQUELINE WILKINS DOG ABUSER FROM PUDSEY LEEDS CAUGHT ON CCTV

Jacqueline Wilkins, a professional dog walker from Pudsey, Leeds, was recently found guilty of animal cruelty after a disturbing incident involving one of her clients' pets. Wilkins, born around 1972 and residing on Dorset Grove in Pudsey, was caught on CCTV footage abusing a dog named Bella, a boxer, under her care. The footage revealed Wilkins striking Bella twice and shouting at her repeatedly when the dog refused to remain still long enough for her to remove her harness after a walk.

According to reports, Bella’s owners, Gary Hirtsch and Louise Williams, became increasingly concerned about their pet’s changed behavior. They noticed that Bella, who was previously friendly and outgoing, had become noticeably anxious and reluctant to go outside. These behavioral changes prompted them to review their home CCTV footage, which captured Wilkins in the act of mistreating Bella. The footage showed Wilkins shouting, “You’re not doing as you’re told, are you?” and “Do you want another smack?”

Wilkins, who operated the dog-walking service Wilkins Walkies, was hired by the couple when Louise Williams suffered a broken wrist and was unable to walk Bella and their other dog, Coco. The couple’s decision to employ Wilkins was based on trust, but the footage revealed a troubling side of her handling of the animals in her care. After viewing the CCTV recordings, the couple promptly reported the incident to the RSPCA, leading to an investigation.

During the court proceedings at Leeds Magistrates’ Court, prosecutor Andrew Davidson stated that the treatment of Bella was unnecessarily rough and that there was little justification for such behavior. Wilkins herself admitted that her actions constituted failing to meet the needs of the dog by protecting her from injury or distress. Initially pleading not guilty, Wilkins changed her plea after expert evidence highlighted the potential psychological harm inflicted on Bella. The court heard that Wilkins believed she was disciplining Bella at the time, describing her behavior as a “moment of madness,” but she now recognized her actions as wrong.

Wilkins’s previous good character was noted, and she had informed her clients about the case. Several clients provided references, and two attended court to support her. A probation officer reported that Wilkins was remorseful and had reflected on the possible harm caused to Bella. Despite her remorse, the court imposed a two-year ban on Wilkins from owning or caring for any dogs, a sentence later reduced to three months on appeal, which has since expired.

Following the sentencing, Bella’s owner Gary Hirtsch expressed relief, stating, “I feel relieved. We had put her in a position of trust. I think they’ve done the right thing for the safety of the other dogs.” Hirtsch also noted a significant change in Bella’s behavior post-incident, mentioning that she used to be very friendly but now shows reluctance to go outside and often cowers on the sofa.

Wilkins appeared visibly upset as she left the courtroom, knowing she would not be allowed to keep her own dog, Bentley, during the two-year ban—though this was later reduced to three months and has now expired. Friend and client Janet Pearson commented on Wilkins’s situation, saying, “Obviously she’s not going to have an income now but the thing she’s most upset about is losing her dog. Her dog is like her baby. I think the court has made an example of her. If I thought she didn’t care and was cruel, clearly there’s no way she would look after mine. It’s not just a business to her though. Dogs are her life. She’s worried about her clients too. What are they going to do?”

The court sentenced Wilkins to a 12-month community order, including 100 hours of unpaid work and participation in an RSPCA education program. She was also ordered to pay costs and charges totaling £385. The court’s ruling also included a two-year ban on her caring for or owning dogs, which was later reduced to three months on appeal, a period that has now expired.