LINDA GIBSON AND LEWIS LITTLE FROM LUTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT AND HOARDING

Linda Gibson, born around 1972, and Lewis Little, born in 1988, both residents of Buxton Road, Luton LU1 1RE, found themselves at the center of a disturbing animal cruelty case that highlighted their neglect and the deplorable conditions in which they kept numerous pets. The pair, who have since separated, were involved in a prolonged period of animal hoarding and mistreatment, which drew the attention of the RSPCA after multiple welfare visits to their home.

At their flat in Luton, authorities discovered a chaotic scene filled with household waste and a variety of animals living in squalor. The RSPCA inspector Stephanie Law described the environment as “uninhabitable,” recounting how she had to bang her head on the ceiling of the living room while navigating through the mountains of rubbish and debris. The conditions were so dire that the inspector’s safety and ability to conduct her duties were severely compromised.

During a visit on November 25, 2015, Inspector Law returned to the couple’s address to recover a Staffordshire bull terrier named Scar, who had recently undergone neutering surgery and was fitted with a buster collar. The visit was chaotic, with the inspector instructing the couple on how to administer medication to Scar and emphasizing the importance of keeping the collar on to prevent interference with his wound. Despite these instructions, the situation was far from ideal.

Gibson also presented a large tabby cat named Soldier, who was found with a foul-smelling wound under his right armpit. The flesh around the wound appeared red and raw, indicating neglect and the need for urgent veterinary attention. Inspector Law advised Gibson that the cat required immediate medical treatment, but she refused to sign the animal over to the authorities, raising concerns about her willingness to seek proper care.

The following day, the inspector returned to find the kitchen in a state of complete disarray, with rubbish overflowing to the point where the floor was no longer visible. During this visit, Scar was seen running freely between the kitchen and the yard, notably without his buster collar, which was supposed to remain on to protect his healing wound. On a subsequent visit on December 4, Inspector Law observed that Scar’s scrotum was swollen and the sutured wound appeared to be torn, with Mr. Little admitting that he had removed the collar upon returning home.

Both animals, Scar and Soldier, were subsequently removed by the RSPCA and taken to veterinary clinics for treatment. Fortunately, they have since been rehomed and are reported to be doing well, a small but significant victory amid the ongoing case.

Prosecutor Janita Patel, representing the RSPCA, urged the magistrates to disqualify Gibson and Little from keeping pets for a substantial period. She emphasized their inability to care for themselves, let alone animals, and expressed concern over their financial capacity to provide necessary veterinary care. The magistrates responded by disqualifying the pair from owning animals for ten years, a decision that brought Gibson to tears. The couple claimed they still had two cats, two snakes, and five gerbils at their home, and they were given 14 days to rehome these remaining pets.

Following the sentencing, RSPCA inspector Stephanie Law expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating that it reflected the seriousness of the offences committed. The court handed down the following sentences: Lewis Little received a three-month curfew and ten days of rehabilitation activities, while Linda Gibson was sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work. Both were ordered to pay costs of £310 each and were banned from keeping animals for ten years, with the ban set to expire in May 2026.

As of 2017, Lewis Little is known to be residing at Rivergate House, Cheapside, Luton LU1 2HN, continuing to live in the town where the case unfolded, but under strict restrictions regarding animal ownership.