REECE ROBERTSON'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN MILLON AND LINCOLN STREET

Reece Robertson, born on November 12, 1997, and residing at 49 Devonshire Road, Millom LA18 4JH, has been convicted of heinous animal cruelty crimes involving multiple dogs kept in deplorable conditions. The investigation into Robertson’s activities revealed a disturbing pattern of neglect, abuse, and involvement in illegal animal fighting practices, which prompted a coordinated effort by the RSPCA and Cumbria Police in October 2023.

Authorities executed search warrants under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 during Operation Spike, uncovering a shocking scene at Robertson’s residence and an adjacent allotment on Lincoln Street, Millom. The RSPCA’s officers discovered eight dogs suffering from severe injuries, untreated wounds, and signs of forced fighting with wild animals. Many of these animals bore scars and scars indicative of brutal combat, highlighting the extent of their suffering.

Chief Inspector Ian Muttit, of the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit, provided a detailed account of the conditions at the property. He stated that three adult dogs and a puppy were found confined in kennels within Robertson’s backyard, all kept in appalling conditions. The kennels were heavily soiled, with large accumulations of faeces in the small, inadequate spaces. The sleeping areas lacked proper shelter or bedding, further emphasizing the neglect.

The dogs identified at Robertson’s home included Bam, a bull lurcher; Bella, a female bull lurcher; Punch, a Patterdale terrier; and a lurcher puppy. At the nearby allotment, officers found five more dogs housed in separate kennels. Among them was Jess, a female bull lurcher who had lost part of her nose and was covered in scars, indicating past injuries. Other dogs at the allotment included Tilly, a Patterdale terrier; Thorn, a female lurcher; and two male lurchers named Mash and Bracken, both suffering from facial cuts and scars.

RSPCA inspector described the conditions at the allotment as extremely poor. Tilly and Mash were found without access to water, and all the dogs’ kennels were filthy, filled with fresh and moldy faeces. Robertson admitted he had not visited the allotment for two to three days and had made no arrangements for the care of the dogs during his absence.

All eight adult dogs were seized and taken into RSPCA custody. Veterinary examinations revealed that some of the animals were underweight, and many had untreated facial wounds. Tilly was notably thin, scoring just one out of five on the body condition scale. Thorn had a broken tooth and a wound on her front leg extending into the muscle. Mash’s left eye and chin were inflamed and swollen, while Bracken had wounds on his mouth and foot pads. Jess was suffering from fur loss, and her nasal septum was missing. Bella bore an old scar on her head, and her teats were enlarged. Bam had scabs on his nose and a recent cut on his inner ear. Punch exhibited crusty skin, scabbing on his chin, and a fresh wound on his ear.

Robertson claimed that none of the dogs were under veterinary care and attempted to justify Jess’s missing nose by stating she had gotten it caught in the wire fence of her kennel, which he said ripped part of her nose off when he tried to free her. The veterinarian’s report concluded that Robertson failed to provide a suitable living environment for Tilly, Thorn, Mash, Bracken, and Jess, and also neglected to meet the dietary needs of Tilly. The same neglect extended to Bella, Punch, and Bam, with the vet emphasizing the inadequate conditions and care.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Robertson has learning difficulties and is considered a “soft touch” for animals in the area. He reportedly received dogs from local residents who could no longer care for them, but the burden became overwhelming both financially and mentally. Robertson admitted to attempting self-treatment for the animals’ injuries.

Following veterinary treatment, all the dogs recovered well and are now in the care of the RSPCA, with plans for rehoming. Robertson agreed to rehome the lurcher puppy, showing some acknowledgment of responsibility.

In a separate incident from December 2022, a local farmer accused Robertson and an accomplice, Kian Rowe, of setting their dogs on a defenseless sheep, further illustrating the extent of animal cruelty associated with Robertson’s activities. Kian Rowe is also known to have an interest in hunting with dogs.

Chief Inspector Muttit commented on the case, emphasizing the severity of the conditions in which the dogs were kept. He noted that the animals at the allotment were left unattended for days in their own mess, many suffering injuries, including Jess, who had lost part of her nose. The investigation was crucial to ensure the welfare of these animals and to remove them from such a bleak environment.

Robertson was sentenced to a 12-month community order, including 200 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay costs of £500 and was banned from keeping animals for ten years, marking a significant legal consequence for his actions in Millom and Lincoln Street.