CONVICTED | puppy farm dealers/backyard breeders Samantha Louise Daniels, nee Ludlow, born 3 August 1987, and husband Jayson George Daniels, born 10 September 1988, both of Willow Road, Strood, Rochester ME2 2LW, and Ricky Billy Kerswell, born 8 November 1989, from Beaumanor Gardens, Coldharbour Estate, Eltham, London SE9 3HG – for the mistreatment of two Dachshunds with severe skin conditions. The’ Daniels and their associate Ricky Kerswell, a traveller, admitted cruelty to a female wirehaired Dachshund known as Coco and to a female wirehaired Dachshund puppy by failing to provide veterinary treatment in respect of the animals’ skin disease. In a written statement from an RSPCA inspector, the court heard that Coco and the puppy had been found in a downstairs small room at the rear of a property in Willow Road, Rochester. They were found in dirty conditions. Fleas were evident and they had fur loss. A vet who attended the location also provided a written statement for the court. It was said that Coco’s “skin had large patches of hair loss and small areas of inflammation”. He added: “The dog had a strong smell typical of animals with severe skin disease. The bald patches were particularly obvious around the eyes, on the ears, and on the limbs and tail. Patches of infected and red skin were noted on the belly, neck and rump.” The puppy was also said to have “a lot of hair loss”. The vet said: “The ears were bald and leathery due to the severe skin disease. “The pup smelt much stronger than the mother and was noticeably withdrawn and depressed. She scratched and rubbed her belly at least every minute. Fleas could also be seen crawling over her body.” Both were said to be suffering by the vet due to the severe skin disease. Following a hearing at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on 10 July both of the dogs were signed over to the RSPCA. At sentencing an order to remove further dogs was also made. In RSPCA care the two Dachshunds made a full recovery and have been cared for by some of the charity’s dedicated foster carers. The Daniels have indicated that they intend to appeal. Sentencing | ordered to pay £333 costs and a £114 victim surcharge. Samantha Daniels received a 10 week tagged curfew, Jayson Daniels received 108 hours unpaid work and Kerswell was ordered to undertake 108 hours unpaid work plus 20 RAR days. All were disqualified from keeping dogs for a woeful 18 months (expires early 2025), ITV News London Post Kent Online Additional Information Ricky Kerswell is a tree surgeon by trade. His company name is Cut Above the Rest Tree Care Ltd. Facebook business page here.