SAMMY AND JAY DANIELS AND RICKY KERSWELL FROM STROOD AND LONDON FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES OVER CRUELTY TO DACHSHUNDS
| Red Rose Database
Strood Animal Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked animal welfare advocates, three individuals—Sammy and Jay Daniels from Strood and Ricky Kerswell from London—have been found guilty of severe animal cruelty involving two vulnerable Dachshunds suffering from serious skin conditions.
Sammy Louise Daniels, née Ludlow, born on August 3, 1987, and her husband Jayson George Daniels, born on September 10, 1988, both residing at Willow Road, Strood, Rochester ME2 2LW, were implicated alongside Ricky Billy Kerswell, born on November 8, 1989, whose address is listed as Beaumanor Gardens, Coldharbour Estate, Eltham, London SE9 3HG. The trio was charged with neglecting and mistreating two wirehaired Dachshunds, known as Coco and a female puppy, by failing to provide necessary veterinary care for their severe skin ailments.
The court proceedings revealed that the animals were discovered in deplorable conditions within a small downstairs room at the rear of a property on Willow Road in Rochester. The environment was filthy, with evidence of fleas and significant fur loss on both dogs. An RSPCA inspector provided a detailed account, stating that Coco and her puppy were found in a state of neglect, suffering from extensive skin issues that caused hair loss and inflammation.
A veterinarian who examined the animals confirmed the severity of their condition. The vet described Coco’s skin as having large patches of hair loss, with inflamed, red areas particularly around her eyes, ears, limbs, and tail. The dog emitted a strong, foul odor typical of severe skin disease. The puppy was also noted to have extensive hair loss, with her ears appearing leathery and bald due to the skin condition. The veterinarian observed that the puppy was noticeably withdrawn, depressed, and constantly scratching and rubbing her belly, which was also affected by the disease. Fleas were crawling over her body, further indicating neglect.
Both animals were suffering immensely from their untreated skin conditions, which had been left to worsen in the filthy environment. The court heard that the conditions of the dogs were so dire that, following a hearing at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on July 10, the animals were signed over to the RSPCA for care. An order was also issued to prevent the owners from acquiring more dogs in the future.
Under the care of the RSPCA, Coco and her puppy made a full recovery. They have been placed with dedicated foster carers who have provided them with the necessary treatment and love to heal from their ordeal. Despite the conviction, the Daniels have announced their intention to appeal the court’s decision.
Sentencing included financial penalties and restrictions on their ability to keep animals. Sammy Daniels was ordered to pay £333 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge, along with a 10-week tagged curfew. Jayson Daniels received 108 hours of unpaid work, while Ricky Kerswell was ordered to complete 108 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of RAR (Responsible Animal Ownership) training. All three individuals were disqualified from owning or keeping dogs for a period of 18 months, a ban set to expire early in 2025.
This case highlights the ongoing issues of backyard breeding and puppy farming in the Strood area, as well as the importance of animal welfare enforcement. Ricky Kerswell, a tree surgeon operating under the business name 'Cut Above the Rest Tree Care Ltd,' was also implicated in this case, adding a further layer of concern given his professional background and the nature of his work.
Sammy Louise Daniels, née Ludlow, born on August 3, 1987, and her husband Jayson George Daniels, born on September 10, 1988, both residing at Willow Road, Strood, Rochester ME2 2LW, were implicated alongside Ricky Billy Kerswell, born on November 8, 1989, whose address is listed as Beaumanor Gardens, Coldharbour Estate, Eltham, London SE9 3HG. The trio was charged with neglecting and mistreating two wirehaired Dachshunds, known as Coco and a female puppy, by failing to provide necessary veterinary care for their severe skin ailments.
The court proceedings revealed that the animals were discovered in deplorable conditions within a small downstairs room at the rear of a property on Willow Road in Rochester. The environment was filthy, with evidence of fleas and significant fur loss on both dogs. An RSPCA inspector provided a detailed account, stating that Coco and her puppy were found in a state of neglect, suffering from extensive skin issues that caused hair loss and inflammation.
A veterinarian who examined the animals confirmed the severity of their condition. The vet described Coco’s skin as having large patches of hair loss, with inflamed, red areas particularly around her eyes, ears, limbs, and tail. The dog emitted a strong, foul odor typical of severe skin disease. The puppy was also noted to have extensive hair loss, with her ears appearing leathery and bald due to the skin condition. The veterinarian observed that the puppy was noticeably withdrawn, depressed, and constantly scratching and rubbing her belly, which was also affected by the disease. Fleas were crawling over her body, further indicating neglect.
Both animals were suffering immensely from their untreated skin conditions, which had been left to worsen in the filthy environment. The court heard that the conditions of the dogs were so dire that, following a hearing at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on July 10, the animals were signed over to the RSPCA for care. An order was also issued to prevent the owners from acquiring more dogs in the future.
Under the care of the RSPCA, Coco and her puppy made a full recovery. They have been placed with dedicated foster carers who have provided them with the necessary treatment and love to heal from their ordeal. Despite the conviction, the Daniels have announced their intention to appeal the court’s decision.
Sentencing included financial penalties and restrictions on their ability to keep animals. Sammy Daniels was ordered to pay £333 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge, along with a 10-week tagged curfew. Jayson Daniels received 108 hours of unpaid work, while Ricky Kerswell was ordered to complete 108 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of RAR (Responsible Animal Ownership) training. All three individuals were disqualified from owning or keeping dogs for a period of 18 months, a ban set to expire early in 2025.
This case highlights the ongoing issues of backyard breeding and puppy farming in the Strood area, as well as the importance of animal welfare enforcement. Ricky Kerswell, a tree surgeon operating under the business name 'Cut Above the Rest Tree Care Ltd,' was also implicated in this case, adding a further layer of concern given his professional background and the nature of his work.