MARTIN BUTLIN FROM GLEADLESS SHOCKINGLY NEGLECTS GREYHOUNDS IN SHEFFIELD

Martin John Butlin, a resident of Fleury Road in the Gleadless area of Sheffield, has been convicted of severe animal neglect involving two racing greyhounds kept on an allotment in Wadsley Bridge, Sheffield. The case, which drew attention from the RSPCA, revealed the heartbreaking conditions in which the dogs were found, highlighting the extent of the neglect and the tragic consequences that ensued.

Butlin admitted to two animal welfare offences concerning the greyhounds, named Mick and Fury, after veterinary professionals raised concerns about their health and wellbeing. The investigation was initiated when a veterinary practice in South Yorkshire contacted the RSPCA, reporting that the dogs had been brought in in an emaciated state. The evidence presented in court painted a grim picture of neglect, with Mick, the older of the two, having already died from starvation before being discovered. His body was found in a builder’s bag, which Butlin had transported in the boot of his car to the veterinary clinic.

The surviving dog, Fury, was only two years old and was brought to the veterinary practice on May 13, 2023, for what was initially intended to be an elective euthanasia. Butlin had reported that Fury had been experiencing weight loss and diarrhea over several weeks. At the time of admission, Fury weighed just 23.6 kilograms (approximately 52 pounds) and was rated a body condition score of only 1 out of 9, indicating extreme emaciation. The veterinary team conducted a thorough examination and recommended further diagnostics or treatment, but Butlin was resolute that neither option would be pursued. Instead, he agreed to transfer ownership of Fury to the veterinary staff.

Despite initially planning euthanasia, Fury was given a second chance. Under the care of the veterinary team, Fury was gradually rehabilitated. He responded well to nourishment and treatment, gaining weight steadily over the following weeks. Within just over three weeks, Fury’s weight increased to 29.6 kilograms (around 65.25 pounds). He was subsequently adopted by a veterinary nurse from the practice, who renamed him Alfie. Today, Alfie is a healthy, happy dog living in a loving home, a stark contrast to the conditions he endured at the hands of Butlin.

The case also involved the tragic discovery of Mick, who was found dead upon examination. The veterinarian described Mick as being in a state of extreme emaciation, with sunken eyes, visible pressure sores, callouses, and some wounds exposing the underlying bone. Two days prior to Mick’s death, Butlin had spoken to the vets, claiming that Mick had stopped eating, lost weight, and was unsteady on his feet. Despite being advised to bring the dog in immediately, Butlin delayed the appointment until June 1, 2023.

During court proceedings, the veterinarian testified that Fury’s initial condition did not suggest any medical cause for his weight loss. Blood tests and fecal samples taken over several days showed no abnormalities, and Fury was ravenous when offered food. The vet concluded that Fury’s issues stemmed solely from neglect and starvation, with sores likely caused by lying on hard surfaces for extended periods. The veterinarian further explained that Mick’s condition was consistent with severe neglect, and his death was a direct result of the mistreatment he suffered.

In mitigation, Butlin’s legal representatives argued that he had caring responsibilities and expressed remorse for the suffering inflicted on the dogs. They described him as a man who had loved dogs throughout his life, but acknowledged that his attention and care had broken down in this instance. During the investigation, other dogs owned by Butlin were rehomed or handed over to the RSPCA, and due to a disqualification order, any remaining animals in his care would also need to be rehomed.

RSPCA inspector Ben Cottle-Shaw, who led the investigation, emphasized that neglect of this severity is unacceptable. He expressed some comfort in knowing that Fury, now renamed Alfie, was thriving and enjoying a better life with his new owner. The inspector condemned the cruelty involved in allowing pets to suffer such neglect and stressed the importance of animal welfare.

Butlin was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 150 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay costs of £400 and a victim surcharge of £114. Additionally, he received an indefinite ban from keeping dogs, ensuring he cannot own or care for any animals in the future.