NEIL FORREST FROM ASPENDEN BUSTED FOR DOG FIGHTING IN BUNTINGFORD
| Red Rose Database
Aspenden Animal Abuser
Neil Forrest, born on June 26, 1974, and residing at Meadow View in Aspenden, Buntingford SG9 9PB, was found to be operating a disturbing dog fighting operation at his home. His involvement in this brutal activity has shocked the local community and brought to light the extent of animal cruelty linked to his name.
Forrest, who has a history of heroin addiction, was not only involved in training dogs for fighting but also kept images of dog fighting on his mobile phone. Evidence presented in court revealed that he caused unnecessary suffering to a Staffordshire bull terrier and possessed three pit bull terrier-type dogs, which he used for fighting purposes. The district judge, Derek French, expressed his disapproval during sentencing, stating, “You have shown little or no remorse about what these dogs have gone through. These dogs were used by you as fighting dogs. This was clearly done with a view of commercial gain.”
On March 5, 2017, a member of the public in Aspenden discovered a severely injured young female Staffordshire bull terrier hiding in a garden after escaping from Forrest’s property. The dog, later identified as Kali, was found cowering with multiple open wounds and scars covering her body. The injuries included bite marks on her muzzle, mouth, legs, and near her left eye. A veterinarian examined Kali and determined that her wounds were between three and four days old, indicating recent abuse.
RSPCA inspector Cliff Harrison described the condition of the dog, stating, “This poor dog was absolutely covered in wounds — both fresh and historic — with bite marks, scratches, and puncture wounds predominantly around her muzzle, ears, and legs. These sorts of injuries are exactly the sort of thing we see when dogs are forced to fight another dog, and the vet agreed that the injuries were consistent with dog fighting.”
Further investigations revealed that Forrest had been in contact with vets and dog wardens, calling multiple times from his mobile phone while efforts were underway to locate Kali, who was being treated at a Buntingford veterinary clinic. It was eventually confirmed that Kali belonged to Forrest, who admitted to having a 20-year heroin addiction. This connection prompted police and RSPCA officers to conduct a raid on Forrest’s property in Aspenden on May 19, 2017.
During the raid, authorities discovered a collection of books related to pit bulls and dog fighting, along with three dogs resembling pit bulls. Two of these dogs were notably athletic, and the premises contained equipment such as weighing scales and a treadmill, which appeared to be used for conditioning fighting dogs. The garage adjacent to the kennels was set up as a makeshift training area, indicating Forrest’s attempt to run his own dog fighting operation, which he called “Neil’s Yard.”
Inspector Harrison commented, “It appears he has tried to run his own dog fighting yard, but it’s unclear whether he’s had much success. What is certain is that his dogs have significant injuries consistent with fighting and have suffered due to his activities. We believe he has been involved in this bloodsport for years.”
Judge French emphasized the severity of Forrest’s actions, stating, “These dogs were being used and kept as a livelihood for you. These dogs were going to suffer seriously.”
Facing trial, Forrest pleaded guilty just before the proceedings began to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, keeping or training animals for use in dog fights, and possessing banned dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. He was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, ordered to pay costs of £750, and was banned from owning animals for life. Additionally, the three pit bull-type dogs found on his property were ordered to be destroyed, marking a significant step in the fight against animal cruelty in the region.
Forrest, who has a history of heroin addiction, was not only involved in training dogs for fighting but also kept images of dog fighting on his mobile phone. Evidence presented in court revealed that he caused unnecessary suffering to a Staffordshire bull terrier and possessed three pit bull terrier-type dogs, which he used for fighting purposes. The district judge, Derek French, expressed his disapproval during sentencing, stating, “You have shown little or no remorse about what these dogs have gone through. These dogs were used by you as fighting dogs. This was clearly done with a view of commercial gain.”
On March 5, 2017, a member of the public in Aspenden discovered a severely injured young female Staffordshire bull terrier hiding in a garden after escaping from Forrest’s property. The dog, later identified as Kali, was found cowering with multiple open wounds and scars covering her body. The injuries included bite marks on her muzzle, mouth, legs, and near her left eye. A veterinarian examined Kali and determined that her wounds were between three and four days old, indicating recent abuse.
RSPCA inspector Cliff Harrison described the condition of the dog, stating, “This poor dog was absolutely covered in wounds — both fresh and historic — with bite marks, scratches, and puncture wounds predominantly around her muzzle, ears, and legs. These sorts of injuries are exactly the sort of thing we see when dogs are forced to fight another dog, and the vet agreed that the injuries were consistent with dog fighting.”
Further investigations revealed that Forrest had been in contact with vets and dog wardens, calling multiple times from his mobile phone while efforts were underway to locate Kali, who was being treated at a Buntingford veterinary clinic. It was eventually confirmed that Kali belonged to Forrest, who admitted to having a 20-year heroin addiction. This connection prompted police and RSPCA officers to conduct a raid on Forrest’s property in Aspenden on May 19, 2017.
During the raid, authorities discovered a collection of books related to pit bulls and dog fighting, along with three dogs resembling pit bulls. Two of these dogs were notably athletic, and the premises contained equipment such as weighing scales and a treadmill, which appeared to be used for conditioning fighting dogs. The garage adjacent to the kennels was set up as a makeshift training area, indicating Forrest’s attempt to run his own dog fighting operation, which he called “Neil’s Yard.”
Inspector Harrison commented, “It appears he has tried to run his own dog fighting yard, but it’s unclear whether he’s had much success. What is certain is that his dogs have significant injuries consistent with fighting and have suffered due to his activities. We believe he has been involved in this bloodsport for years.”
Judge French emphasized the severity of Forrest’s actions, stating, “These dogs were being used and kept as a livelihood for you. These dogs were going to suffer seriously.”
Facing trial, Forrest pleaded guilty just before the proceedings began to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, keeping or training animals for use in dog fights, and possessing banned dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. He was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, ordered to pay costs of £750, and was banned from owning animals for life. Additionally, the three pit bull-type dogs found on his property were ordered to be destroyed, marking a significant step in the fight against animal cruelty in the region.