KIERAN HANDS AND APRIL PEARCE FROM COLNE SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN THEIR HOME

Kieran Hands, born on April 27, 1989, and April Pearce, born on May 2, 1990, both residents of Calder Street in Colne, faced serious legal consequences after being found guilty of multiple animal welfare offences. The couple, who operated under the name Howls for Help Sled Dog Rescue, were responsible for the neglect and mistreatment of a total of twelve dogs and several other animals kept within their residence. Their home, located in the town of Colne, was described as a scene of squalor and neglect, with conditions so dire that authorities intervened to rescue the animals and bring the offenders to justice.

On June 25, 2022, RSPCA inspector Emma Dingley visited the couple’s property following reports of concern about a dog with matted fur. Upon arrival, she was met by Pearce and Hands, who both acknowledged that their dogs appeared “scruffy” but insisted that there were no welfare issues. However, the inspector’s detailed examination painted a starkly different picture. She described the environment inside the house as “very poor, very dirty,” filled with hazards that posed risks to both the animals and the residents.

As she entered, the smell of dog feces and urine was overwhelming, immediately indicating severe hygiene problems. The inspector observed dogs in various parts of the house, including the front room and the kitchen, with some loose and others confined in cages. The conditions in the cages were appalling; all contained dogs standing on wire bases without any bedding or comfort, and none of the cages had food or water available. The scene was further disturbing with crates stacked on top of each other, each housing dogs in cramped, unsanitary conditions.

In addition to the dogs, the inspector found a bearded dragon named Mal living in a vivarium on the kitchen counter, alongside a large Malamute crossbreed called Tazz, who was confined behind a gate. Pearce and Hands had attempted to shave Tazz’s heavily matted coat, managing only to trim a small section on his back. Tazz’s fur was yellowed, and the smell emanating from him was described as “awful” by the inspector. When questioned about other animals, both defendants denied having any, but further investigation revealed two cats named Thunder and Rain, both in poor health with visible skin issues, upstairs in the property. Additionally, seven pet rats were found in a bedroom, and a terrapin named Malibu was living in a bath filled with water but lacking a dry resting area, heat, or UV light.

During the inspection, an empty bottle of ‘First Strike K9 spray,’ a dog attack deterrent, was discovered in front of one of the cages. The dogs immediately ceased barking when the inspector picked up the bottle, and Pearce and Hands admitted that they used the spray to keep the animals quiet. All animals were seized by police and taken into the care of the RSPCA, where they were transported to the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for thorough assessment.

The veterinary examination revealed that the dogs, which included various huskies, collies, a Staffordshire bull terrier, and a chihuahua, were suffering from unkempt coats and flea infestations. Many of the animals, including six dogs and both cats, were found to be in a state of suffering, with some displaying stiff and painful limbs that caused them discomfort. One dog was euthanized on veterinary advice due to severe leg and back injuries. The remaining animals, after receiving treatment, have been rehomed through the charity’s efforts.

During the court proceedings, it was explained that the couple’s neglect stemmed from their genuine love for animals, which led them to accept rescue animals they were unable to properly care for. Pearce, who had recently lost her job, and Hands, who worked six days a week, admitted that the responsibility of caring for the animals had fallen heavily on Pearce. She acknowledged that she was aware of some health issues but had attempted to treat the animals herself instead of seeking professional veterinary care.

In sentencing, the court handed down an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years, along with a two-year community order requiring 25 days of rehabilitation activities. The couple was also ordered to pay costs of £600 each and a victim surcharge of £154. Additionally, they received a five-year ban from keeping any animals, which will expire in April 2028. This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting the needs of vulnerable animals in the community of Colne.