TIPTON WOMAN KELLY JONES SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS IN HORRIFIC CONDITIONS

Kelly Marie Jones, born on May 4, 1982, and residing on Laburnum Road in Tipton, has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to animals and neglecting her responsibilities as a pet owner. The case unfolded after authorities uncovered the shocking state of several dogs under her care, revealing a pattern of neglect that lasted for weeks and culminated in the death of one of the animals.

Jones claimed that a man she referred to as 'Gangster' had delivered the dogs to her Tipton home and instructed her to look after them. According to her account, this individual had dropped off the animals in cages and told her not to seek veterinary assistance, even as the dogs showed signs of illness. Her teenage son, who was also present at the property, was told by the same man not to contact a vet, despite the worsening condition of the animals. Eventually, after one dog died, the young man contacted the RSPCA for help with the remaining animals.

On December 6, 2023, RSPCA inspectors responded to the call and visited Jones' residence. During their visit, they discovered the body of a bull terrier crossbreed named Rocky, lying on a bloodstained duvet with vomit around his mouth. The scene was distressing, prompting the inspectors to call for backup from police colleagues. Further investigation revealed a severely underweight dog named Roxy, who was 7kg below the ideal weight for her breed and size. Additionally, three puppies of Roxy’s were found confined in a crate, covered in their own feces, with no access to water or proper sanitation.

Jones' own dog, a husky named Whisky, was also found in an upstairs bedroom. She was suffering from ear inflammation and had no access to food or water, although her overall health was considered reasonable. The remaining dogs were taken into RSPCA care under emergency powers, and Rocky’s body was recovered for examination. Veterinary assessments confirmed that none of the animals, apart from Whisky, had been provided with adequate living conditions, proper nutrition, or clean water. The puppies had been kept in cramped conditions, with their cage blanket covered in feces, and had not been given space to defecate properly. The vet estimated that the dogs had been suffering for at least four to six weeks, likely longer.

During police interviews, Jones stated that 'Gangster' had dropped off Rocky and Roxy multiple times over the preceding months and had told her to care for them. She refused to identify him further, citing fears for her safety and that of her son. Prosecutor Janita Patel emphasized that despite her claims of financial hardship, Jones had previously been visited by the RSPCA, who advised her on how to provide a safe environment for her dogs. She admitted that the conditions were poor but insisted she was feeding the animals out of her own limited resources. The court was told that Rocky was alive on December 4 but had died by the time Jones returned home on December 5.

Jones pleaded guilty to three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and one count of failing to provide a safe environment. Her defense argued that she was struggling financially, receiving Universal Credit, and that the dogs were not hers but had been forced upon her by 'Gangster.' Her solicitor likened her situation to that of an addict whose home has been 'cuckooed' by criminal elements, explaining that she was trapped and exploited. The defense also highlighted her love for her own dog, which was in good health, contrasting it with the neglect of the other animals.

Judge Recorder Barker addressed Jones directly, condemning her failure to care for the animals properly. He described the conditions as shocking and appalling, noting that the dogs were underweight, malnourished, and suffering before their deaths. The judge emphasized that Jones could have sought help from the RSPCA or taken the advice offered to her but failed to do so. He also pointed out that she had not reported the exploitation by 'Gangster,' fearing threats of violence.

Sentencing included a 12-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with 30 days of rehabilitation activity and participation in an alcohol treatment program. Jones was ordered to pay a contribution of £300 towards the RSPCA’s costs, which totaled over £4,389.74. Additionally, she was banned from owning or caring for any animals for a period of 10 years, with the possibility of appeal after five years, until October 2034.