JAMIE EVANS AND JOSHUA KWIATKOWSKI FROM WIGAN SENTENCED FOR ILLEGAL DOG EAR CROPPING
| Red Rose Database
Wigan Animal Abuser
In a serious case that has drawn significant attention from animal welfare authorities, two individuals from Wigan, Jamie Evans and Joshua Kwiatkowski, have been convicted for their involvement in the illegal ear cropping of dogs. Jamie Evans, born on December 20, 1992, previously residing on Keble Street, Ince, Wigan, but now without a fixed address, and Joshua Ryan Kwiatkowski, born around 1999, of Rose Avenue, Beech Hill, Wigan WN6 8NE, were found guilty of allowing their dogs to undergo painful cosmetic procedures that are strictly prohibited under UK law.
According to court records, both men pleaded guilty to permitting ear cropping on their bull-type dogs, named Riga and Ace, and neglecting to seek veterinary treatment for the injuries sustained during the procedure. The case came to light after police seized Kwiatkowski’s phone during an unrelated investigation, where they discovered photographs of his dog Ace with ears that had been mutilated through cropping. Further investigations involved executing warrants by the RSPCA and police, leading to the seizure of a second phone containing incriminating messages exchanged between the two men.
These messages revealed detailed discussions about the ear cropping process. There were photographs showing the dogs as puppies with their natural, full ears, alongside images taken after the procedure. In one exchange, Kwiatkowski advised Evans to apply talc to Riga’s ears, suggesting that once the scabs were removed and talc was applied, Riga’s ears would resemble Ace’s, which had already been mutilated. A voice note from Kwiatkowski stated: “Once you’ve took the scabs off and talced his ears he will look exactly like Ace does on that picture where his ears are dead white and they are up tall and you can hardly see any scabs. It just looks like loads of talc on the outsides of his ears. That’s what it will look like bro.”
Evans responded with concern, saying, “Sure he’s took this crop too far back on him.” In subsequent WhatsApp messages, Evans inquired about posting pictures of Riga, to which Kwiatkowski advised caution, warning him not to do so for 4-6 weeks and to avoid showing the dog to anyone who might report him. Kwiatkowski emphasized the importance of privacy, instructing Evans to only share images with trusted individuals and to keep the dog’s imported status discreet.
Veterinary expert Dr. Sean Taylor provided testimony in court, confirming that both Ace and Riga had undergone ear cropping procedures. He explained that such mutilation for cosmetic reasons is against the professional code of conduct of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and is illegal within the UK. Dr. Taylor stated that there was no evidence to suggest the procedures were medically necessary, and that the dogs would have experienced pain and irritation for at least five days, possibly longer, following the cropping.
Following sentencing, RSPCA inspector Emma Dingley issued a stern warning about the cruelty of ear cropping. She emphasized that the practice offers no health benefits and can lead to lifelong behavioral, health, and social issues for the dogs. She also highlighted that such procedures are often performed to increase the monetary value of puppies sold on the black market, which is a significant concern for animal welfare advocates.
Both dogs, Riga and Ace, are now in the care of the RSPCA, receiving the necessary treatment and support. The court sentenced Jamie Evans and Joshua Kwiatkowski to 23 weeks in jail and imposed a ban on keeping animals for 15 years, underscoring the seriousness of their actions and the importance of enforcing animal protection laws in Wigan and across the UK.
According to court records, both men pleaded guilty to permitting ear cropping on their bull-type dogs, named Riga and Ace, and neglecting to seek veterinary treatment for the injuries sustained during the procedure. The case came to light after police seized Kwiatkowski’s phone during an unrelated investigation, where they discovered photographs of his dog Ace with ears that had been mutilated through cropping. Further investigations involved executing warrants by the RSPCA and police, leading to the seizure of a second phone containing incriminating messages exchanged between the two men.
These messages revealed detailed discussions about the ear cropping process. There were photographs showing the dogs as puppies with their natural, full ears, alongside images taken after the procedure. In one exchange, Kwiatkowski advised Evans to apply talc to Riga’s ears, suggesting that once the scabs were removed and talc was applied, Riga’s ears would resemble Ace’s, which had already been mutilated. A voice note from Kwiatkowski stated: “Once you’ve took the scabs off and talced his ears he will look exactly like Ace does on that picture where his ears are dead white and they are up tall and you can hardly see any scabs. It just looks like loads of talc on the outsides of his ears. That’s what it will look like bro.”
Evans responded with concern, saying, “Sure he’s took this crop too far back on him.” In subsequent WhatsApp messages, Evans inquired about posting pictures of Riga, to which Kwiatkowski advised caution, warning him not to do so for 4-6 weeks and to avoid showing the dog to anyone who might report him. Kwiatkowski emphasized the importance of privacy, instructing Evans to only share images with trusted individuals and to keep the dog’s imported status discreet.
Veterinary expert Dr. Sean Taylor provided testimony in court, confirming that both Ace and Riga had undergone ear cropping procedures. He explained that such mutilation for cosmetic reasons is against the professional code of conduct of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and is illegal within the UK. Dr. Taylor stated that there was no evidence to suggest the procedures were medically necessary, and that the dogs would have experienced pain and irritation for at least five days, possibly longer, following the cropping.
Following sentencing, RSPCA inspector Emma Dingley issued a stern warning about the cruelty of ear cropping. She emphasized that the practice offers no health benefits and can lead to lifelong behavioral, health, and social issues for the dogs. She also highlighted that such procedures are often performed to increase the monetary value of puppies sold on the black market, which is a significant concern for animal welfare advocates.
Both dogs, Riga and Ace, are now in the care of the RSPCA, receiving the necessary treatment and support. The court sentenced Jamie Evans and Joshua Kwiatkowski to 23 weeks in jail and imposed a ban on keeping animals for 15 years, underscoring the seriousness of their actions and the importance of enforcing animal protection laws in Wigan and across the UK.