BURNLEY ANIMAL TRADER LINDA WINTER CONVICTED OVER SQUALID CONDITIONS IN WORSTHORNE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Burnley, Linda Winter, also known as Linda Jayne Leaf, was found guilty of neglecting numerous animals under her care, which were kept in deplorable and freezing conditions at her property near Lennox Street in the area of Worsthorne.

Authorities, including the RSPCA and local police, launched an investigation after receiving reports and conducting a stakeout at the site. During the operation, officers discovered a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, and guinea pigs, living in extremely unsanitary conditions within caravans and a nearby stable block. The investigation was prompted by the discovery of these animals in a state of neglect, with the environment described as filthy and unfit for any living creature.

It was revealed that the animals had been kept in freezing temperatures, with the ambient temperature at the time being just zero degrees Celsius, which posed a severe risk to their health and well-being. The conditions of the caravans were particularly grim, with officers noting a strong smell of urine and the absence of basic necessities such as food and water for the animals. In one instance, a Rottweiler puppy and a small Border terrier were found inside the caravan without access to water or adequate nourishment.

Further inspections of the stable block uncovered the tragic remains of two rabbits and a guinea pig, all of which had died in the conditions. Additionally, a cage containing three cats was found, with the animals left with dry food but no water, and their litter tray was overflowing, with the cats sitting in their own filth. The court was shown footage taken by RSPCA inspector Jason Bowles and veterinarian Peter O’Hagen, which documented the squalid state of the premises and the animals' suffering.

During the inspection, Mr. Bowles described the conditions of the animals in detail. He observed three dogs in one stable, including two Bedlington terriers and a small black spaniel, all of which had matted coats and no access to water. The spaniel’s coat was described as 'dirty.' In another stable, two Shar Pei dogs with severe skin conditions were found, and their water had frozen due to the cold environment. The neglect was evident, and the animals’ health was clearly compromised.

Linda Winter was present at the scene when questioned by PC Mark Jenkinson. She claimed that the animals were her responsibility and that she was caring for them because 'no-one else would.' However, her explanations did little to mitigate the evidence of neglect. She was subsequently charged with 18 offences related to failing to provide proper care, adequate diets, and suitable living conditions for 13 animals found by authorities.

Winter denied the charges during a two-day trial but was ultimately convicted on all counts. She argued that her car had been impounded, which prevented her from caring for the animals regularly, and that her daughter and a family friend had been tasked with their care but had failed to do so properly. The court responded by imposing a six-year ban on her from keeping any animals, including dogs, and ordered her to pay costs of £260 to the RSPCA.

Despite the ban, concerns were raised about its enforceability, given that Winter’s 17-year-old daughter owned pets of her own. The magistrates warned Winter that she must make arrangements to ensure compliance with the court’s order or face further legal action. The case also revealed that Winter’s details had been found on various online trading platforms, where she advertised puppies and ponies for sale, highlighting her ongoing involvement in animal trading.

Following the verdict, RSPCA inspector Jason Bowles emphasized the severity of the neglect, stating, 'She left these animals to live in freezing and squalid conditions, and some suffered and others died as a result.' He urged the public to be cautious when purchasing animals online, warning that improper research could inadvertently support cruelty and suffering for more animals in the future. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the need for vigilance in monitoring those involved in animal trading.