LES SURTEES AND LISA ODGERS FROM SUNDERLAND FACE COURT OVER HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN HENDON

Leslie Surtees, born on 27 January 1987, and Lisa Jane Odgers, born on 27 August 1980, residents of Ridley Terrace in Hendon, Sunderland SR2 8ND, have been found guilty of neglecting and mistreating multiple animals in their care. The couple kept a total of five dogs and four cats in conditions that were not only filthy but also posed serious health hazards to the animals.

Despite repeated warnings and pleas from animal welfare authorities, Surtees and Odgers failed to improve the living environment for their pets. The premises were littered with rubbish, animal waste, and dirt, creating an environment that was both hazardous and inhumane. The couple admitted to neglecting the basic needs of their animals and causing them unnecessary suffering by not seeking veterinary treatment for their pets’ skin conditions and other health issues.

The investigation began when RSPCA Inspector Helen Nedley visited the couple’s home on 14 February 2024. The visit was prompted by concerns raised about a dog named Tyler living at the address. Upon approaching the property, Inspector Nedley observed that both front windows were boarded up, indicating possible attempts to conceal the conditions inside. When she knocked on the door, it was answered by Les Surtees, who appeared reluctant to allow entry. Behind the front door, the inspector saw a floor covered in rubbish and animal feces, accompanied by a strong, unpleasant smell emanating from within the house.

During the initial visit, Surtees explained that the concern was about Tyler, a female tan and white Jack Russell-type dog. She was in reasonable condition but exhibited fur loss towards her rear end. Surtees claimed that Tyler had been unwell, not eating, and was given medication meant for another dog and human medicine instead of proper veterinary treatment. He denied any wrongdoing and stated that Tyler was now fine, despite her condition. The inspector advised the couple to take Tyler to a vet and scheduled a follow-up visit in approximately two weeks to assess any improvements.

In early March 2024, the RSPCA returned to the property, accompanied by police officers. This time, they were granted access to the house. The scene was appalling: five dogs were found running loose inside, and the overwhelming stench of feces and ammonia filled the air. The hallway floor was covered in a thick layer of rubbish and animal waste, while the bedroom was cluttered with debris piled up to head height. The living room was filled with hazardous items, including white goods, furniture, and bike parts, with the floor completely covered in a hardened, compacted layer of animal feces. Surfaces and sofas were coated in dirt and waste, creating an environment unfit for any living creature.

Inspectors observed several plastic cat food bowls in the kitchen, all coated in brown dirt and dried, crusty food. One bowl contained food covered in moldy green and white patches. Nearby, a large metal saucepan held dirty water, with a crusty brown film on its surface and yellowish water topped with froth. The conditions were so severe that five dogs, including Jack Russell terriers and a Staffordshire bull terrier, were seized due to their poor health and living conditions. These animals were taken into the care of the RSPCA for veterinary treatment. Additionally, four cats were removed from the property; one was found sitting atop a large pile of rubbish and clutter in the bedroom.

Surtees claimed that the bearded dragon had been rehomed and presented a letter from the PDSA confirming that Tyler had been seen for her skin condition. The animals were examined by a veterinarian later that day, who confirmed that all but one cat were in a suffering state. The vet’s report indicated that eight animals had been suffering unnecessarily for at least two months, primarily due to untreated flea infestations that caused fur loss and skin issues. The veterinarian emphasized that any reasonable person would have sought veterinary care for such conditions, and the neglect had caused significant pain and suffering.

Despite the couple’s assertions that they had thoroughly cleaned the property and that there was no issue, subsequent visits in May 2024 revealed persistent problems. The RSPCA found a thick layer of feces on the living room floor, and the bedroom was still piled high with rubbish. Surtees was observed becoming stuck in the doorway due to the volume of waste and debris. During interviews, Surtees claimed he purchased flea treatments online based on their ratings and insisted that any failure was not his fault. He also downplayed Tyler’s skin issues, stating he was treating her with salmon oil, which he believed had improved her condition. Surtees blamed Odgers for not cleaning the moldy food bowls and claimed that the feces on the sofa were fresh and had only appeared recently.

Odgers, when questioned, initially claimed she was unsure who owned the animals but later admitted that the animals belonged to her and Surtees. She mentioned that one of the cats, Socks, who had significant hair loss, had been seen by a vet long ago. The court also heard that the animals had been in a state of neglect for months, with their needs not being met, and they had been kept in environments that caused pain, injury, and disease.

As a result of the investigation, a deprivation order was issued, preventing Surtees and Odgers from rehoming or caring for animals in the future. The animals have been in the care of the RSPCA and private boarding facilities since the start of the case. The charity reported that the animals have made a good recovery overall, although one of the dogs was euthanized on veterinary advice due to her advanced age, poor mental state, dental disease, and mammary cancer, with the consent of the owners.

The court sentenced Surtees and Odgers to a 12-month community order, including 15 days of rehabilitation, an £80 fine, £100 in costs, and a £114 victim surcharge. They are also banned from keeping animals for 36 months, a restriction that will expire in September 2027. The case highlights the ongoing issue of animal neglect in Sunderland and the importance of vigilance and intervention by authorities to protect vulnerable animals from suffering.