JOE WHITTAM'S BRUTAL CRIMES IN CARNFORTH: ANIMAL ABUSE AND WILDLIFE CRIMES EXPOSED

Joseph Shaun Whittam, born on June 7, 1990, and residing on Langdale Road in Carnforth, Lancashire, has been convicted of heinous animal cruelty offenses that have shocked the local community and animal welfare organizations alike. His actions, which include encouraging his dogs to attack wildlife and neglecting their veterinary needs, led to a series of criminal charges and subsequent imprisonment.

In August 2017, authorities from the RSPCA and Lancashire Constabulary executed a warrant at Whittam’s residence following intelligence reports suggesting his involvement in wildlife crimes. The investigation uncovered disturbing evidence of animal abuse, including videos stored on Whittam’s mobile phone that depicted his dogs engaging in violent attacks. The dogs involved were identified as Rex, a terrier, and Zip, a lurcher. Both animals were seized by police and taken into the care of the RSPCA for treatment and rehabilitation.

Special investigation officer Jason Bowles described the horrific content of the videos. He explained that one clip showed the two dogs barking and snapping at a mesh trap containing a domestic cat, which was black and white. In another, the cat was released from the trap, only to be immediately attacked by the dogs, who tore into it while the animal screamed and cried in pain. Bowles emphasized the brutality of the footage, noting that it was so disturbing that many RSPCA staff members could not stomach viewing it, and that a magistrate had to leave court after witnessing the footage. Although the cat was killed during the attack, its body was never recovered, and the owners remain unidentified.

Further videos revealed the dogs attacking a fox, with Whittam clearly heard encouraging and egging them on throughout the footage. The investigation also uncovered images of Whittam’s dogs being encouraged to attack a gerbil, along with still images of the fox attack, which showed the animal being baited by the dogs. Whittam claimed that the fox had been shot and injured prior to his dogs attacking it, though this assertion was not substantiated.

The case resulted in Whittam pleading guilty to four offenses under the Animal Welfare Act, including encouraging his dogs to attack wildlife and neglecting their veterinary care. The injuries observed on Rex and Zip, which appeared to be consistent with their violent activities, had gone untreated. Both dogs received veterinary attention and are currently in the care of the RSPCA, with plans for rehoming once the legal proceedings are concluded.

Lancashire Constabulary’s Sgt James Pinder commented on the investigation, stating that it was initiated based on community concerns related to animal welfare and poaching. He expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the police’s commitment to working with partner agencies to pursue offenders vigorously. Pinder highlighted that the lengthy 16-month investigation culminated in a sentencing that sends a strong message to those involved in such criminal activities.

Whittam was sentenced at Preston Magistrates’ Court to 22 weeks in jail, with an order to pay a total of £490 in fines. Additionally, he was disqualified from keeping animals for life. The magistrate described the offenses as deliberate, sustained, and gratuitous, underscoring the severity of his actions.

In January 2023, Whittam received a further custodial sentence after being caught violating his lifetime ban on keeping animals. Now residing on Greenset Drive in Lancaster, he was found with four dogs and ferrets at his property. A woman, believed to be his mother, claimed that three of the dogs belonged to her. The fourth dog, a brown Patterdale named Thugly, exhibited severe facial injuries consistent with animal fighting, raising further concerns about his involvement in illegal activities. This series of convictions highlights the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and illegal wildlife crimes linked to Whittam’s conduct in Carnforth and Lancaster.