GOSPORT ANIMAL HOARDER MARGARET PORTER SENTENCED FOR NEGLECT AND ABUSE OF DOGS

Margaret Elizabeth Porter, a resident of Dolman Road in Gosport, has been convicted in 2024 of severe animal neglect and welfare offences involving eight dogs under her care. The case uncovered a disturbing pattern of neglect, with two of the dogs dying and four requiring leg amputations due to the conditions they endured.

Porter, known locally in Gosport, was found to have failed in her duty to care for these animals, neglecting their basic needs and ignoring their obvious suffering. She pleaded guilty to five charges related to animal welfare violations, which included her failure to seek veterinary assistance for the dogs and her apparent disregard for their health and well-being.

The incident came to light on Saturday, July 16, 2022, when Porter arrived at the RSPCA Solent Branch’s facility, The Stubbington Ark, in a taxi, carrying six dogs in carriers. She claimed that these dogs belonged to her sister, who had supposedly run away, leaving them behind. During her interaction with the rescue centre, Porter provided false personal details, claiming she was unaware if the dogs had been seen by a veterinarian and insisting that the animals were owned by her sister, who she identified as 'Theresa.'

Following her arrival, the six dogs were taken for emergency veterinary treatment. The condition of the animals was appalling, with detailed descriptions revealing the extent of their suffering. Dustin, a terrier and poodle cross, was found with matted, dirty hair hanging around his paws and on his belly, with overgrown nails. Hopper, another terrier-poodle cross, had a similarly unkempt coat, with dirt and mats on his belly, long nails, and signs of dental neglect, including tartar buildup and missing teeth.

Max, a female terrier-type dog, exhibited long nails, matted hair on her belly, and mats on her front right leg. Ellie, also a terrier-poodle cross, had a long, unkempt coat with mats, missing teeth, tartar buildup, and a severely disabled rear left hind leg that was held up from the hip. Her fur was dirty and matted. Robin, a female terrier cross with poodle traits, had an unkempt coat with felted mats hanging from her hind legs, long nails, and a disabled right hind leg that could not bear weight. Nancy, another female terrier cross, had long, dirty hair on her feet, rotten and missing teeth, and a disabled left hind leg that was unable to support her weight, with an ingrown nail pressing into her paw.

Further investigations revealed that just days prior, on June 29, 2022, the RSPCA received a call from the local borough council raising concerns about dogs at Porter’s residence. It was reported that a stray dog had been taken to a veterinarian with two broken legs, injuries that were not considered accidental. The following day, Porter contacted the council claiming she had found another stray dog in Walpole Park, Gosport. Some of the surviving dogs showed signs of severe injuries, including two broken legs on the same side, which further indicated possible abuse.

Authorities identified Porter through CCTV footage and visited her home to assess if more animals were present. During the visit, they rescued two additional dogs, named Poppy and Dante. It was revealed that Porter’s tenancy restrictions prohibited her from keeping dogs, which she admitted was the reason she lied to authorities about the animals’ ownership and condition.

In her defense, Porter cited mental health issues and financial difficulties, stating she was a carer for a family member. Despite her circumstances, the court found her actions to be a serious breach of animal welfare laws.

Porter was sentenced to 52 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to complete 15 days of rehabilitation, pay costs of £250, and a victim surcharge of £149. Additionally, she received a 20-year ban on owning animals, although she has the right to appeal after 10 years.