BRADFORD'S JAMIE SYKES NEWBURN AND QUEENSBURY DOG CRUELTY CASE SHOCKS COMMUNITY

Jamie Sykes Newburn, a man with a troubling history of violence and neglect, was at the center of a disturbing case involving the suffering of two bulldog-type puppies. Originally residing on High Street in Queensbury, Bradford, Newburn was born around 1973 and, as of November 2018, was believed to have relocated to Carlisle, Cumbria. The case came to light when a prospective buyer, intending to purchase one of the puppies for £100, noticed alarming injuries on the animal and raised concerns that ultimately led to legal proceedings.

In July and August of 2015, Newburn was charged and subsequently admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the puppies. The Bradford magistrates heard that he had treated the animals’ injuries himself using ointment provided by a friend—an unlicensed breeder who had previously faced prosecution by the RSPCA. The injuries were severe and caused by burns or scalds, with one of the puppies, named Tasha, displaying a wound measuring eighteen centimeters in length and approximately two centimeters in width. An additional burn was found beneath the left ear of the second, unnamed puppy.

The woman who discovered the injuries recounted her shock and distress, describing Newburn’s reaction as unconcerned, with him laughing and smiling despite the evident pain inflicted on the animals. When questioned about the injuries, Newburn suggested they might have been caused by a radiator or a larger dog, showing a lack of responsibility and concern for the puppies’ wellbeing. The veterinarian who examined the animals confirmed that the injuries were consistent with burns or scalds that would have caused significant pain and suffering.

Prosecutor Andrew Davidson emphasized the severity of the case, highlighting the “quite severe” suffering endured by the puppies and describing the injuries as “fairly sinister.” He pointed out that while injuries of this nature might sometimes be understandable, the presence of two such injuries in a single case indicated clear neglect. The puppies had been left untreated for two weeks, raising suspicions that the case involved the commercial breeding of puppies for financial gain, a practice often associated with neglect and cruelty.

Representing Newburn, solicitor Upkar Bahia acknowledged that his client accepted responsibility for the puppies’ welfare. He admitted that the ointment treatment was inadequate and that Newburn should have taken the animals to a veterinarian. Bahia also noted that Newburn had no previous convictions related to animal cruelty and that there was no malicious intent to cause suffering.

However, magistrates decided to request a pre-sentence report from the Probation Service, citing Newburn’s prior convictions involving violence. The court warned that all sentencing options, including imprisonment, remained on the table. The case was adjourned until December 18, 2015, with Newburn granted unconditional bail.

Following the hearing, RSPCA inspector Sophie John expressed her outrage at the case, stating, “The injuries to these two puppies were terrible, and no doubt caused a great deal of suffering. One of the burns was 18 centimeters long and two centimeters wide, running almost the entire length of the puppy’s side. It was shocking to see. It would have been clear to anyone that it needed urgent treatment.” She further emphasized that while the exact cause of the injuries remained unknown, Newburn’s failure to seek veterinary care was a clear breach of his responsibilities as a pet owner.

Although the final sentencing details remain unconfirmed, it is believed that Newburn faces a period of probation and a potential 12-year ban on keeping animals, reflecting the seriousness of the case and the community’s concern over animal cruelty in Bradford and Queensbury.