JOHN AND WILLIAM COOK CONVICTED OF ANIMAL WELFARE OFFENCES IN DARTFORD

In 2020, brothers John Benjamin Cook, born on November 13, 1993, and William Cook, born on July 11, 1989, both residents of Little Acres, Longfield Avenue, New Barn, Longfield, Dartford DA3 7LA, were convicted of multiple animal welfare offences. The pair operated a puppy farm alongside a cock-fighting ring, with dogs and puppies kept in extremely poor conditions. They also hosted brutal cockfights for other gypsy travelers.

In July 2018, RSPCA officers executed a warrant at their extensive property shared with extended family—including wives, children, and parents—after concerns were raised by a member of the public who had purchased puppies from them. During the raid, 18 dogs, including spaniels and beagles, and two cockerels were rescued from the premises.

Officers seized several mobile phones from the site, uncovering a suspected cock-fighting pit. Mobile analysis revealed the brothers’ involvement with cockfighting activities, and forensic tests later confirmed the presence of blood from at least four cockerels on the pit.

During the four-day trial, the court heard that John Cook was accused of causing suffering to multiple dogs by neglecting to provide veterinary care for stomach and dental issues and keeping them in unsuitable conditions. William Cook, now banned from keeping any animals for three years, was responsible for offences related to cockfighting. John pleaded guilty to his charges, while William was convicted under the Animal Welfare Act.

RSPCA inspector Carroll Lamport from the charity’s special operations unit stated: "Many of the dogs kept at the site suffered health and welfare problems, including untreated gastrointestinal and dental issues. We also had serious concerns over the poor conditions they were kept in; the dogs and puppies were in dirty, wet environments with no bedding."

Regarding sentencing, William Cook received a 120-day prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. He is also disqualified from keeping any animals for three years. John Cook was sentenced to 90 days in prison, also suspended for two years, with 160 hours of unpaid work, and was banned from keeping dogs for three years. Both bans are set to expire in February 2023. The two men are also required to pay costs of £1,000 plus a £115 victim surcharge.

This case highlights ongoing issues related to illegal animal welfare practices and cockfighting activities in the Dartford area.