LESLEY BISHOP'S CRUELTY IN MIDDLESBROUGH: DOGS LEFT IN SQUALID CONDITIONS

Leslie Michael Bishop, a resident of Maple Street in Middlesbrough, was found guilty of neglecting and mistreating three Akita dogs—Nikita, Storm, and Niko—in 2017. The RSPCA inspectors uncovered a disturbing scene in Bishop’s property, revealing the dire state in which the animals were kept.

Officers discovered Niko and Nikita confined in a backyard that was overwhelmed with an extensive buildup of faeces, creating an unsanitary and hazardous environment. Both dogs appeared emaciated, with visible signs of hunger and malnutrition. Their coats were in a poor state, characterized by excessive molting and dirt, indicating neglect and lack of proper grooming.

Storm, another of Bishop’s dogs, was kept indoors, where the conditions were equally deplorable. The indoor environment was described as hazardous, with urine staining the floors, flies swarming around the rooms, and a pervasive foul smell that filled the space. One of the dogs was suffering from a severe ear infection, further highlighting the neglect.

Leslie Bishop faced multiple charges related to animal cruelty. He pleaded not guilty to five counts but chose not to attend the trial, which was conducted in his absence. At the time, Bishop was remanded in custody for an unrelated matter, and he refused to participate via video link from prison. Despite his absence, the court proceeded with the case, and the evidence presented was sufficient to establish his guilt.

In sentencing, Bishop was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison. Additionally, he was banned from owning any animals for a period of ten years, a ban set to expire in July 2027. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences faced by those who neglect their responsibilities as pet owners.

This case was reported by Teesside Live, highlighting the ongoing issues of animal cruelty in the Middlesbrough area and the efforts of authorities to combat such neglect.