JAMIE COLE FROM HINDERWELL SENTENCED FOR DOG STARVATION AND NEGLECT IN SHROPSHIRE

Jamie Cole, a gamekeeper from Hinderwell, was convicted in 2019 for the severe neglect and starvation of his 10-month-old cocker spaniel named Blue. The case drew significant attention due to the shocking condition of the dog, which was described as being dangerously thin and suffering from neglect that had persisted for approximately three to four weeks.

On February 4, 2019, Cole, who was then based at a farm near Minsterley in Shropshire, took Blue to the Malthouse Veterinary Group in Shrewsbury, reporting that the dog was experiencing diarrhoea. Veterinarians immediately recognized the severity of Blue’s condition, noting her sunken eyes, low body temperature, and her weight of only 6 kilograms. The dog was unable to stand steadily, indicating a critical state of health.

During the court proceedings, RSPCA prosecutor Roger Price explained that a healthy dog’s body temperature typically ranges between 38 and 39.2 degrees Celsius. The veterinarian who examined Blue used a thermometer that only registered down to 32 degrees, suggesting her temperature was at or below this level, a clear sign of hypothermia. The veterinary team responded by placing Blue on a heat lamp and providing nourishment, after which she ate ravenously, indicating her body was beginning to recover.

Subsequent assessments, including a visit on February 6 by another veterinarian at Taylor & Marshall, confirmed that Blue was shockingly thin and had likely been in this state for three to four weeks. The vets also discovered that she was suffering from a large infestation of roundworms, further complicating her health issues. Over the course of her treatment, Blue’s condition gradually improved, and she gained weight, demonstrating a positive response to the care she received.

Despite the distressing circumstances, the court was informed that Cole was an experienced dog handler. It was noted that other dogs under his responsibility at the time were healthy and well-cared for, which contrasted sharply with Blue’s neglect. Cole’s representative, Georgia Griffiths, expressed remorse on his behalf, stating that he was deeply upset about what had happened. She explained that Cole had always dreamed of being a gamekeeper and had maintained a good relationship with dogs throughout his life. However, after the incident with Blue, he voluntarily relinquished his other dogs, gave up his job, and moved to Yorkshire to be with his family.

Griffiths emphasized that Cole’s actions were not malicious and that he did not intentionally neglect Blue. She added that he felt terrible about the situation and had taken steps to change his lifestyle as a form of punishment. The magistrates acknowledged his remorse and the fact that he had already made significant life changes, including giving up his job and animals, which they considered to be a form of additional punishment.

In sentencing, Cole received a community order that included 80 hours of unpaid work and was ordered to pay £485 in costs. The court also issued a deprivation order for Blue, removing her from Cole’s care, but did not impose a ban on him keeping animals in the future. The magistrates’ decision reflected a balance between punishment and recognition of his remorse and efforts to rectify his life following the neglect incident.