REBECCA PERKINS HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN BURTON FLEMING AND DRIFFIELD
| Red Rose Database
Burton Fleming Animal Abuser
Greyhound trainer Rebecca Perkins, born on June 29, 1981, and residing at Hill Farm on Hunmanby Road in Burton Fleming, was recently convicted of severe animal cruelty involving the abandonment and neglect of 37 dogs under her care. The case came to light following an unannounced inspection carried out in September 2022 by a steward from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), which uncovered a scene of unimaginable horror at her kennels in Burton Fleming and nearby Driffield.
During the inspection, the steward was immediately overwhelmed by a foul stench emanating from the kennels, which housed the dogs in deplorable conditions. The scene revealed dozens of emaciated dogs confined within filthy enclosures, many of which were devoid of food and water. The stench was so overpowering that it left the inspector feeling physically ill. Among the disturbing findings were the decomposing remains of dogs that had starved to death, lying in the same kennels as live animals desperately clinging to life.
One particularly distressing sight was a small black greyhound found lying inside a tiny plastic portable kennel. The dog was so weak, thin, and emaciated that it struggled to stand or even attempt to exit the kennel. Several other greyhounds, also severely underweight, were discovered in the same kennels, along with the skeletal remains of a small dog. In total, four dead dogs were found at various locations within the kennels, highlighting the extent of neglect and suffering.
The kennels were in a state of extreme filth, with excrement scattered across the floors and a smell described as “overpowering,” making the environment almost unbearable for anyone present. The surviving dogs were in a dire state—many had collapsed, were too weak to stand, and showed signs of severe malnutrition. The conditions were so poor that the animals’ ribs, spines, and bones were clearly visible, indicating extreme emaciation.
Following the discovery, the inspector promptly contacted the RSPCA. Inspector Claire Mitchell and animal rescue officer Daniel Richardson responded to the scene at Hill Farm. In her detailed report, Inspector Mitchell described the conditions in the main kennel block, noting that every single kennel was heavily soiled with faeces and urine, with bedding soaked in filth. She emphasized that the smell was almost unbearable, reflecting the neglect.
Officer Richardson’s account painted a similarly grim picture. He observed that nearly all the kennels contained greyhounds, many of which were deceased or in a state of severe suffering. He described the dogs as being in very poor condition, with fur loss, open sores, and some with visible wounds. Several kennels contained dogs in various stages of decay, with some deceased animals in different stages of decomposition, further illustrating the neglect.
In a court hearing, Perkins admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to all 37 greyhounds by neglecting their basic veterinary needs. She acknowledged her failure to provide adequate medical attention for issues such as lameness and sores, and her failure to maintain a hygienic environment. She also signed over all the greyhounds to the RSPCA, but tragically, one collapsed brindle greyhound in the worst condition died before receiving treatment. Two other greyhounds were euthanized on welfare grounds shortly after being rescued, and a further dog had to be put down several days later.
An independent veterinarian testified that the conditions in which the dogs were kept were grossly inadequate and that their needs had not been met. The vet stated that all 37 dogs had been suffering for at least two weeks, with some likely enduring several weeks or even months of neglect. Several of the greyhounds examined had a body condition score of just 1 out of 9, indicating extreme emaciation.
Fortunately, the remaining dogs responded well to treatment under RSPCA care, gaining weight and showing signs of recovery. The process of rehoming these animals is now underway, giving them a second chance at a happy life.
During the court proceedings, Perkins pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including causing unnecessary suffering to the greyhounds and failing to provide proper veterinary care. She also admitted to neglecting their environment, which was both unhygienic and unsafe. The court heard that Perkins cited recent health issues and financial difficulties as mitigating factors for her actions.
After sentencing, animal rescue officer Daniel Richardson commented on the case, emphasizing the severity of the neglect and the importance of proper animal care. He stated, “This distressing case saw a large number of greyhounds suffer in their owner’s care due to a failure to get them urgent veterinary treatment they so clearly needed. The conditions at the property were wholly unacceptable, with faeces everywhere and an overpowering smell, all of which contributed to a totally inappropriate and illegal environment.”
He added, “Looking after a large number of greyhounds like this can be very challenging – and clearly they were badly let down on this occasion, to such an extent that a number had to be put to sleep given the severity of the welfare problems. Thankfully, once in RSPCA care, the greyhounds that survived have done very well and gained significant weight. The process of rehoming these dogs is underway – offering them each a second chance of forever home happiness.”
Perkins was sentenced to 36 weeks in jail, with a victim surcharge of £187. She was also handed a lifetime ban on keeping all animals, although she has the right to appeal after just 10 years. The court granted her three weeks to make arrangements for her other animals, which were not part of the prosecution, and the RSPCA is currently monitoring their welfare in Burton Fleming.
During the inspection, the steward was immediately overwhelmed by a foul stench emanating from the kennels, which housed the dogs in deplorable conditions. The scene revealed dozens of emaciated dogs confined within filthy enclosures, many of which were devoid of food and water. The stench was so overpowering that it left the inspector feeling physically ill. Among the disturbing findings were the decomposing remains of dogs that had starved to death, lying in the same kennels as live animals desperately clinging to life.
One particularly distressing sight was a small black greyhound found lying inside a tiny plastic portable kennel. The dog was so weak, thin, and emaciated that it struggled to stand or even attempt to exit the kennel. Several other greyhounds, also severely underweight, were discovered in the same kennels, along with the skeletal remains of a small dog. In total, four dead dogs were found at various locations within the kennels, highlighting the extent of neglect and suffering.
The kennels were in a state of extreme filth, with excrement scattered across the floors and a smell described as “overpowering,” making the environment almost unbearable for anyone present. The surviving dogs were in a dire state—many had collapsed, were too weak to stand, and showed signs of severe malnutrition. The conditions were so poor that the animals’ ribs, spines, and bones were clearly visible, indicating extreme emaciation.
Following the discovery, the inspector promptly contacted the RSPCA. Inspector Claire Mitchell and animal rescue officer Daniel Richardson responded to the scene at Hill Farm. In her detailed report, Inspector Mitchell described the conditions in the main kennel block, noting that every single kennel was heavily soiled with faeces and urine, with bedding soaked in filth. She emphasized that the smell was almost unbearable, reflecting the neglect.
Officer Richardson’s account painted a similarly grim picture. He observed that nearly all the kennels contained greyhounds, many of which were deceased or in a state of severe suffering. He described the dogs as being in very poor condition, with fur loss, open sores, and some with visible wounds. Several kennels contained dogs in various stages of decay, with some deceased animals in different stages of decomposition, further illustrating the neglect.
In a court hearing, Perkins admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to all 37 greyhounds by neglecting their basic veterinary needs. She acknowledged her failure to provide adequate medical attention for issues such as lameness and sores, and her failure to maintain a hygienic environment. She also signed over all the greyhounds to the RSPCA, but tragically, one collapsed brindle greyhound in the worst condition died before receiving treatment. Two other greyhounds were euthanized on welfare grounds shortly after being rescued, and a further dog had to be put down several days later.
An independent veterinarian testified that the conditions in which the dogs were kept were grossly inadequate and that their needs had not been met. The vet stated that all 37 dogs had been suffering for at least two weeks, with some likely enduring several weeks or even months of neglect. Several of the greyhounds examined had a body condition score of just 1 out of 9, indicating extreme emaciation.
Fortunately, the remaining dogs responded well to treatment under RSPCA care, gaining weight and showing signs of recovery. The process of rehoming these animals is now underway, giving them a second chance at a happy life.
During the court proceedings, Perkins pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including causing unnecessary suffering to the greyhounds and failing to provide proper veterinary care. She also admitted to neglecting their environment, which was both unhygienic and unsafe. The court heard that Perkins cited recent health issues and financial difficulties as mitigating factors for her actions.
After sentencing, animal rescue officer Daniel Richardson commented on the case, emphasizing the severity of the neglect and the importance of proper animal care. He stated, “This distressing case saw a large number of greyhounds suffer in their owner’s care due to a failure to get them urgent veterinary treatment they so clearly needed. The conditions at the property were wholly unacceptable, with faeces everywhere and an overpowering smell, all of which contributed to a totally inappropriate and illegal environment.”
He added, “Looking after a large number of greyhounds like this can be very challenging – and clearly they were badly let down on this occasion, to such an extent that a number had to be put to sleep given the severity of the welfare problems. Thankfully, once in RSPCA care, the greyhounds that survived have done very well and gained significant weight. The process of rehoming these dogs is underway – offering them each a second chance of forever home happiness.”
Perkins was sentenced to 36 weeks in jail, with a victim surcharge of £187. She was also handed a lifetime ban on keeping all animals, although she has the right to appeal after just 10 years. The court granted her three weeks to make arrangements for her other animals, which were not part of the prosecution, and the RSPCA is currently monitoring their welfare in Burton Fleming.