JASON, CHERYLEA AND ALBERT COATES FROM COLNBROOK SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS AND PUPPIES

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Jason Coates, born around 1975, along with Cherylea Coates, born circa 1979, and Albert Coates, born on September 11, 1988, all residents of Moreland Avenue in Colnbrook, Slough, faced justice for their involvement in the mistreatment of several dogs and puppies under their care.

These individuals, who are part of the settled travelling community and operate a skip-hire business, kept a total of five dogs and two puppies in conditions that were clearly unsuitable and neglectful. The case came to light after authorities executed a warrant at their residence, prompted by neighbors who had raised concerns about the welfare of the animals. Neighbors reported hearing incessant barking and observed that the dogs were never taken out for exercise, raising suspicions about their living conditions.

Fortunately, some of the animals were rescued in time, but tragically, others had already succumbed to the neglect inflicted upon them by the Coates family. During a visit to their home in December 2018, officers from Slough Borough Council’s resilience and enforcement team discovered a shed in the front garden and two cages in the backyard. Inside one of these cages, they found two Jack Russell puppies along with their mother, who belonged to Albert Coates. It was believed that three puppies had already died, and the surviving young dogs were suffering from inadequate bedding and a lack of blankets, despite the cold winter conditions. Their food and water supplies were also found to be contaminated, further highlighting the neglect.

Additional animals were found on the property, including a Jack Russell cross Chihuahua, a Chihuahua, and two Cocker Spaniels, all owned by Jason and Cherylea Coates. The couple initially contested surrendering the animals, leading to the court obtaining an order for their removal. Meanwhile, their nephew voluntarily surrendered his dogs to the authorities. All the animals have since been rescued, rehomed, and received necessary veterinary care to recover from their ordeal.

On August 9, 2019, the Coates family appeared before Reading Magistrates Court to face sentencing after each admitted to charges of animal neglect under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Albert Coates additionally admitted to causing unnecessary suffering, a charge under Section 4 of the same Act. The offences were committed on December 18, 2018.

As a result of their actions, the Coates family was ordered to pay a total of £400 in fines, costs, and charges. Furthermore, they received a disqualification from owning or keeping any animals for a minimum period of two years, although this period may have expired since the sentencing. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences faced by those who neglect their responsibilities towards their pets.