NIGEL AND JANINE FLETCHER AND JENNIFER CLAY SHOCK TAMWORTH WITH CRUELTY TO DOGS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Tamworth, Nigel Fletcher, born in 1958, Janine Fletcher, born in 1961, and Jennifer Clay, born in November 1957, all residents of Bourne Avenue, Fazeley, faced serious allegations of animal cruelty. The trio was found to have kept several dogs in deplorable conditions within their shared residence, exhibiting blatant neglect and ignorance of proper animal care.

RSPCA inspector Nicola Johnson was called to the property following reports of two severely emaciated dogs living in the flat. She recounted that she had previously visited the same address six months earlier, during which she provided advice on how to properly care for the animals. However, upon her return in January 2018, she was appalled to discover the condition of the dogs had worsened significantly.

The inspector observed two Staffordshire Bull Terrier-type dogs, named Skye and Diesel, who were in a state of extreme undernourishment, with their ribs prominently visible through their skin. The situation was dire, and the dogs' health had deteriorated to a critical level. In addition to these two, she found two other dogs, Crystal and Gnasher, suffering from severe skin conditions, and a fifth dog named Diamond, who was infested with fleas. The animals were kept in cramped, confined spaces, with little to no exercise or proper care.

Inspector Johnson described the scene as a clear case of neglect, stating, “There was a real issue that two of the dogs were emaciated, others had skin conditions or fleas, and in general, they were kept in crates and not walked. The people supposed to be looking after the dogs appeared to be completely ignorant in the needs of caring for animals.”

In a swift response, two of the dogs, Skye and Diesel, were immediately signed over to the RSPCA. They have since undergone rehabilitation and have been re-homed through the Leicester branch. Meanwhile, the remaining dogs—Crystal, Gnasher, and Diamond—are currently in the care of the animal welfare charity, awaiting further arrangements following the court proceedings.

During the court case, Nigel and Janine Fletcher pleaded guilty and were each fined £240. Jennifer Clay was fined slightly more at £290. Additionally, all three were subjected to a three-year ban on keeping any animals, a restriction that expired in October 2021. The case has highlighted the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting the needs of pets in Tamworth and Fazeley.