ROSS CLIFFORD OF ANDOVER SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO INJURED BIRDS AND HEDGEHOGS IN SQUALID CONDITIONS

Ross Clifford, a resident of Quicksilver Way in Andover, was found guilty in 2023 of neglecting injured wildlife under his care, leading to severe suffering and death among the animals he was supposed to protect. Clifford, born in February 1979, operated what appeared to be a makeshift wildlife rescue center from his home, but investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of neglect and cruelty.

Authorities, alerted by concerns over the welfare of animals on his property, launched an investigation into Clifford’s care practices. The RSPCA, upon inspecting the premises, discovered a distressing scene: injured birds and hedgehogs kept in deplorable conditions, with little to no access to food or water. The conditions of the animals were so poor that a veterinarian was called in to assess their health.

The vet’s examination uncovered multiple cases of neglect. Among the birds, a severely injured pigeon was found confined in a wicker basket with heavily soiled newspaper lining the base, with no provision for food or water, and no perch for the bird to rest. Another pigeon was kept in a wardrobe within Clifford’s bedroom, also deprived of basic necessities such as food and water. A juvenile wood pigeon was discovered inside a collapsible crate, which was used as a makeshift enclosure, with a heavily soiled towel lining the bottom. The crate contained no food or water, and the soiled bedding indicated prolonged neglect.

Hedgehogs were also victims of Clifford’s neglect. One was found in a plastic cat carrier, alongside a small amount of dried food but lacking water, resulting in dehydration and lethargy. Two juvenile hedgehogs were found in a collapsible crate filled with wet shredded newspaper and tissue, with some moldy food present. Both were extremely lethargic and lying motionless. Another hedgehog, suffering from severe injuries and dehydration, had to be euthanized due to the extent of its suffering. It was found in a plastic hamster cage with wet bedding that reeked of stale urine, and it had no access to food or water.

During the court proceedings, Clifford’s defense argued that his intentions in establishing the wildlife rescue were well-meaning. He admitted that his setup was inadequate and did not meet the standards expected of proper wildlife care. However, the court emphasized that the animals’ suffering was a direct result of neglect and poor management.

RSPCA Inspector Miranda Albinson commented on the case, stating, “Injured captive wildlife is completely reliant on those providing care to ensure their needs are met. Sadly, in this instance, that responsibility was not fulfilled.”

Clifford was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, a sentence to run concurrently with an existing sentence for unrelated offenses. The case highlights the importance of proper wildlife rescue practices and the severe consequences of neglecting vulnerable animals in one’s care.