NICHOLAS FOREMAN FROM BRIDLINGTON SENTENCED FOR HEATWAVE CRUELTY TO LABRADOR DOGS AT YORK HOSPITAL

In a case that has drawn significant attention from animal welfare advocates, Nicholas Foreman, a resident of Mill Close in Bridlington, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to his two Labrador Retrievers, Zoe and Penny, during a severe heatwave. The incident took place on June 25, 2018, at York Hospital, where Foreman left his dogs confined inside his vehicle amidst scorching temperatures.

Foreman, born around 1960, pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act. The charge specifically accused him of subjecting Zoe and Penny to an environment that was detrimental to their well-being by leaving them locked inside his car during a period of extreme heat. The investigation was led by RSPCA Inspector Alice Cooper, who recounted the events and the subsequent rescue operation.

According to Inspector Cooper, concerned members of the public had contacted the RSPCA after noticing the two distressed dogs trapped inside a red Kia hatchback parked in the hospital's car park. The witnesses reported that the weather was exceptionally hot that summer day, with temperatures reaching 29°C. When Inspector Cooper arrived at the scene, the police had already intervened, having broken a window to free the animals. The dogs were found panting heavily and exhibiting signs of extreme distress. The car was parked in direct sunlight, and although a window was slightly open, the interior was uncomfortably hot and dangerous for the animals.

Both Zoe, aged three, and Penny, aged two, were suffering from heat exhaustion. Immediate action was taken to transport them to a veterinary clinic, where Penny required cooling baths to lower her dangerously high body temperature. Fortunately, both dogs survived the ordeal and were subsequently placed in the care of the RSPCA. They are now under the supervision of staff at York Animal Home, operated by the RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch.

The two Labrador girls are described as affectionate and devoted to each other. They enjoy playing and relaxing together and are currently being prepared for adoption. The staff at York Animal Home hope to find a loving family willing to adopt both dogs together, ideally in a home with older children where they can enjoy long walks and agility activities. Zoe is noted to be very friendly and confident, while Penny tends to be a little nervous and relies on her companion for reassurance.

Animal welfare officials emphasize the importance of responsible pet ownership, especially during hot weather. Inspector Cooper expressed her hope that cases like this will serve as a reminder of the dangers posed by leaving pets in hot environments. She stated, “Penny and Zoe were incredibly lucky. Unfortunately, we’ve been called to many incidents of dogs being left in hot cars where the animals have succumbed to the heat. I really hope that cases like this will help to demonstrate the dangers of leaving pets in hot environments when the weather heats up.”

Foreman was sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid work, with additional costs and charges totaling £385. He was also disqualified from keeping dogs for five years, a ban that was set to expire in October 2023. For further information about Zoe and Penny, interested parties can contact the RSPCA at 01904 654949 or via email at [email protected].