BRIGHOUSE MAN JORDAN TOWNEND BANNED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY IN WEST YORKSHIRE

In a serious case of animal cruelty that has shocked the community of Brighouse, West Yorkshire, Jordan Will Townend, aged 23, has been handed a significant sentence following his conviction for two separate offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The case was heard at Bradford Magistrates’ Court, where Townend pleaded guilty to the charges, which detailed the suffering inflicted upon his pet dog, Odi, a Bedlington terrier type.

According to court records, the first offence involved Townend causing unnecessary pain and suffering to Odi by neglecting to administer prescribed pain relief after the dog suffered a fractured leg. The injury was serious enough to warrant veterinary intervention, yet Townend failed to provide the necessary medication, which was prescribed by a veterinarian. This neglect resulted in Odi enduring pain for approximately a week following his surgery, during which he was left vulnerable to further suffering.

The second offence was related to Townend’s failure to protect Odi from additional pain, injury, and potential disease. Evidence presented in court indicated that Odi had previously sustained a broken hind leg under suspicious circumstances, raising concerns about ongoing abuse or neglect. Veterinarians who examined Odi after the incident found that his condition was worse than initially thought. Despite undergoing surgery to repair the fracture, Odi was only given pain relief on one or two occasions, which was insufficient to prevent ongoing suffering.

Further complications arose when, during Odi’s recovery period, he managed to escape from his owner’s care. During this escape, Odi sustained additional injuries, including further damage to his leg. A veterinarian who examined the dog noted that his limb was swollen and painful, with bent and protruding pins from the surgical repair, indicating that the injury had worsened post-surgery.

RSPCA Inspector Rebecca Goulding was involved in the case and took Odi to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for further assessment. The veterinary team discovered multiple injuries suggesting a pattern of long-term abuse. X-ray examinations revealed not only the recent tibia fracture but also an older rib fracture and a fracture of the spinous process, indicating trauma on more than one occasion. Bruising was also observed on Odi’s right ear, further evidence of ongoing mistreatment.

As a result of his actions, Townend was sentenced to a five-year ban from keeping any animals, a measure designed to prevent him from causing further harm. Additionally, magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge on Townend, meaning he would be under supervision for a year and could face further penalties if he reoffended. Odi received extensive treatment and care at the RSPCA hospital, and once his injuries healed, he was successfully rehomed to a caring new family. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing efforts of organizations like the RSPCA to protect vulnerable animals from cruelty and neglect in communities such as Brighouse and across West Yorkshire.