SUTTON-IN-ASHFIELD FLYBALL TRAINER MARGARET GREAVES CONVICTED OVER HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE

Margaret Greaves, a well-known flyball trainer from Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, was found guilty of multiple animal welfare violations after a disturbing investigation into her care of numerous animals at her residence. Born on September 2, 1952, Greaves resided at Newbound Farm, Newbound Lane, Sutton-in-Ashfield, with a troubling history of neglect that culminated in her court appearance.

On April 6, 2016, RSPCA inspectors conducted a thorough inspection of her property following reports and concerns raised by members of the community about the living conditions of her animals. The inspection revealed a harrowing scene: dogs confined within crates that were stacked on top of each other, with no access to basic necessities such as food, water, blankets, or toys. The conditions inside these crates were appalling, with faeces and urine present, and some crates housing two dogs simultaneously. The stench was overwhelming, described by inspector Laura Kirkham as so strong that it burned her throat.

At the property, authorities discovered a total of 30 adult dogs, six puppies, two cats, and two parrots. The animals were found in various locations across the property, including inside the house, in an outhouse, in a transit van, and in outdoor runs. Among the animals was a nursing mother dog with six newborn pups, all confined within a crate inside the house. The transit van contained seven dogs, each in individual crates—six in the back and one in the front—exposing the animals to prolonged periods of confinement without stimulation. Inspector Kirkham described the environment as extremely distressing, emphasizing the lack of enrichment and the oppressive, foul atmosphere.

The conditions in the outhouse were particularly shocking. Crates were stacked haphazardly, and the space was dark and cramped, making it difficult to see the animals at the bottom of the stacks. The crates were filled with faeces and urine, and one dog was found covered in faecal matter, with dreadlocks of fecal clumps hanging from its coat. The two cats were kept in a garden run under similarly deplorable conditions, and the parrots inside the house were also found to be living in poor circumstances.

It was revealed that Greaves was involved in running a Nottinghamshire-based dog flyball team, with a history of competing at national and international levels. However, her dedication to the sport did not extend to the welfare of her animals, as the inspection uncovered the extent of neglect and suffering inflicted upon them.

The court heard the full extent of the neglect, and Greaves was subsequently sentenced to a 12-week prison sentence suspended for three years. She was also ordered to pay over £600 in fines. Additionally, she received a three-year ban on keeping all animals, which was set to expire in June 2020, and a lifetime ban from keeping dogs specifically. The case highlighted the severe consequences of animal cruelty and neglect, with authorities emphasizing the importance of animal welfare and the need for strict enforcement of laws to prevent such suffering in the future.