MARTIN, MARY, THOMAS AND WINIFRED MCDONAGH HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN HIGH WYCOMBE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of High Wycombe, police uncovered severe neglect and abuse involving the McDonagh family, residents of 5 Beechlands, Hazlemere. The family, consisting of Martin McDonagh, born around 1976, his wife Mary McDonagh, born circa 1979, and their children Thomas, born approximately in 1997, and Winifred, born around 2003, were found to be involved in the illegal sale and mistreatment of puppies.

On July 29, 2021, law enforcement officers responded to a property in High Wycombe after receiving reports of animal welfare concerns. Upon arrival, they discovered a distressing scene: a total of 17 puppies, a mix of cocker spaniel and Cavalier King Charles spaniel breeds, were confined in crates within the premises. Additionally, a van was parked nearby, containing more puppies but notably lacking a mother dog, raising suspicions about the conditions under which these animals were kept.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, officers contacted the RSPCA for specialized assistance. Special Operations Unit (SOU) officer Kirsty Withnall was dispatched to aid in the investigation. During subsequent inquiries, authorities uncovered online advertisements on Pets4Homes promoting the sale of cocker spaniel puppies at a price of £1,300 each. The adverts claimed that the puppies were born to a family pet, had been health-checked, vaccinated, and treated for fleas and worms. The descriptions also stated that the puppies had been raised in a busy household environment.

However, evidence quickly emerged suggesting that Martin McDonagh was attempting to falsely present these puppies as home-bred, despite indications that they were sourced from elsewhere, possibly imported illegally from Ireland. Further investigations revealed that the property did not hold any license for breeding or selling animals, which is a legal requirement in such cases.

In June 2022, Martin McDonagh pleaded guilty to a single charge of making false representations under The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. He was subsequently sentenced to seven months in jail and was disqualified from keeping dogs. The case did not end there; additional charges related to the abuse and neglect of the puppies were brought against the entire McDonagh family.

By November 2022, all four members of the family—Martin, Mary, Thomas, and Winifred—were found guilty of failing to meet the basic needs of the 17 puppies. During the proceedings, Martin McDonagh also admitted to a particularly cruel act: tying a tight cable around an eight-week-old puppy’s neck, which caused a painful injury requiring veterinary intervention.

Outside the courtroom, RSPCA Inspector Kirsty Withnall expressed her outrage and concern. She stated, “These puppies had been taken away from their mothers and moved to a strange location where they mixed with other puppies of differing ages. They were being kept in completely unsuitable conditions, and one had a cable tie tight around his throat and had to be rushed to vets to have it removed.”

Inspector Withnall further explained that evidence indicated Martin McDonagh had been actively trying to sell the puppies. When police arrived at the property, Martin was not present; instead, his family members were in charge of the animals, which were found in deplorable conditions. Fortunately, all the puppies were rescued, placed into foster homes, and have since been rehomed. She added that the puppies are now thriving with their new families.

Sentencing details revealed that Martin McDonagh received a 12-month conditional discharge, along with prosecution costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £22. He was also disqualified from keeping any animals for 15 years. Mary McDonagh was fined £150, ordered to pay £500 in prosecution costs, and similarly disqualified from keeping animals for 15 years. Thomas McDonagh was sentenced to 50 hours of unpaid work, fined £100, and ordered to pay £500 in costs; he was disqualified from keeping all animals except turtles for 15 years. Winifred McDonagh received a 12-month conditional discharge and was disqualified from keeping animals for two years.

This case highlights the ongoing issues of illegal puppy trading and animal cruelty in the High Wycombe area, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and awareness to prevent such tragedies from recurring.