SCOTT BICKNELL AND GEORGE COLE FROM SOUTHAMPTON CONVICTED OVER HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY CASES

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty that shocked the local community, Scott Bicknell and George Cole, both residents of Hampshire, faced justice for their involvement in separate incidents of severe animal suffering. The offences, which took place in and around Southampton, involved the brutal treatment of a rabbit and a dog, leading to their convictions in 2018.

Scott Bicknell, born on September 5, 1976, and residing on Kiln Lane in Old Alresford, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Similarly, George Cole, born on July 3, 1946, of Newdeeps Farm on Winchester Road in Upham, was also convicted of a similar offence. Both men pleaded guilty to one count each of animal welfare violations, specifically related to acts that inflicted unnecessary pain and suffering on the animals involved.

The case came to light after the RSPCA, in collaboration with Hampshire Police's Countrywatch Team, conducted a series of investigations that uncovered disturbing evidence of animal abuse. A key piece of evidence was a mobile phone seized during a police operation, which was not owned by either Bicknell or Cole but belonged to another individual unrelated to the case. On this device, investigators discovered videos and WhatsApp messages that revealed the extent of the cruelty involved.

One particularly distressing video showed Scott Bicknell in his garden, actively encouraging his dogs to attack and kill a wild rabbit. The footage was described by RSPCA Chief Inspector Will Mitchell as