FERRYHILL MEN MARC YOUNG AND PAUL BROWN SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC DOG CRUELTY AT BOG HALL FARM NEAR SEDGEFIELD

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community and animal welfare advocates alike, two men from Ferryhill, Marc Ian Young and Paul Nigel Brown, faced justice for their involvement in the severe mistreatment and neglect of dozens of dogs at a farm near Sedgefield. The incident, which came to light following an investigation by the RSPCA, revealed a horrifying scene of animal cruelty that spanned over several weeks.

Marc Young, born on July 2, 1980, and residing at 9 Hawthorne Terrace, Ferryhill, was found to have been complicit in the neglect of 144 dogs, including cross-breeds, lurchers, and terriers. His co-defendant, Paul Brown, born on April 27, 1953, of 18 Lorton Road, Redcar, was identified as the farm’s tenant and the apparent leader of the operation. The investigation uncovered that the animals were kept in deplorable conditions at Bog Hall Farm, located in Mordon, near Sedgefield, County Durham.

The RSPCA’s probe, initiated in spring 2008, led to a raid on the farm where inspectors discovered a scene of utter neglect. Over 144 dogs were found living in cramped cages, animal stables, and even in the back of unused vehicles. The floors of these enclosures were covered in dirt and faeces, with the animals barely able to survive on the scant dried food carelessly thrown on the filthy surfaces. Many of the dogs were suffering from severe health issues: seven had infected wounds, 26 were suffering from dental problems, and 13 were dangerously close to death due to extreme emaciation. Parasites were visible in their fur, indicating a complete lack of proper grooming and veterinary care.

Tragically, the investigation also uncovered the remains of dead dogs that had been burned on a rubbish heap, with inspectors finding the charred remains of at least one animal during their visit. The cruelty extended beyond neglect; Brown was also accused of selling some of the dogs for commercial gain, further highlighting the callousness of the operation. Brown was perceived as the ringleader, with Young acting under his direction. As a result of the discovery, approximately 35 dogs had to be euthanized to alleviate their suffering.

The financial toll of this case was significant, with the RSPCA incurring around £29,000 in veterinary expenses, £14,000 in legal fees, and an estimated £15,000 spent on investigations. Brown pleaded guilty to multiple charges of animal cruelty, which covered a period from February 27 to April 24, 2008. His offences ranged from neglecting to provide adequate food and veterinary treatment to a broad charge of failing to care for the animals properly. Young, on the other hand, denied 11 of the charges against him, which included failing to feed 102 dogs properly, neglecting 144 dogs infested with fleas and lice, and neglecting to treat severe dental and wound infections in several animals. He also failed to seek veterinary care for a dog with a fractured leg.

During the court proceedings, Young explained that he was overwhelmed by the workload and was simply following the orders of Paul Brown, who was the farm’s tenant at the time. Despite this, Judge Simon Hickey found Young guilty on all charges, emphasizing that the prolonged neglect over eight weeks was clearly motivated by commercial interests. The judge stated, “Mr Young admitted he knew it was wrong to throw food on the filthy floor of the pens. He knew he was failing to provide adequate care for the animals. He was embarrassed by the finding of excrement and smell of urine. This was prolonged neglect over a period of eight weeks. There must have been commercial motivation. You have to face up to the consequences of these animals suffering.”

Judge Hickey also dismissed Young’s defense of merely following orders, making it clear that personal responsibility could not be avoided. Following the sentencing, RSPCA inspector Lucy Hoehne expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We are happy with the sentences and happy they won’t be able to keep dogs for a number of years.”

Both Brown and Young received the same sentence: eight weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months. They were also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service and pay costs of £260 each. Brown was banned from keeping dogs for ten years, a ban that expired in December 2019, while Young’s ban lasted five years, expiring in December 2014. This case has served as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect and cruelty in rural settings near Ferryhill and Sedgefield.