SHOLDHEM MOORE OF BARNSLEY SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL WELFARE OFFENSES
| Red Rose Database
Barnsley Animal Abuser
Sholdhem ‘Sholdy’ Moore, born on 19 May 1994 and residing at 121 Harold Avenue, Barnsley S71 5JA, was convicted in 2025 for neglecting a German Shepherd puppy named Belle. Moore left the puppy in severe pain with a suspicious fractured leg for a month, failing to attend six veterinary appointments despite knowing Belle was injured. The initial injury was presented to the PDSA in March 2024, where Moore claimed the fracture resulted from a road accident. At that time, Belle also had two wound sites on her leg that were bandaged.
Follow-up visits were not kept, leading the RSPCA to become involved. Inspector Kristy Ludlam visited Moore’s home in April 2024, where she reported that Moore appeared intoxicated and was aggressive, swearing at her and refusing to surrender Belle into the charity’s care. In her court statement, Inspector Ludlam described Moore’s behavior: “His eyes were extremely bloodshot, his words slurred, and his movements erratic, he appeared intoxicated. He bluntly refused, saying ‘I’m not signing nothing’ — he then became more erratic, pacing around the kitchen.”
Moore asked the inspector to leave, which she did, warning him that further investigations would follow. She later contacted him by phone on May 1 to caution him that she needed to interview him regarding potential offences under the Animal Welfare Act. Although he agreed, Moore failed to attend the scheduled interviews, including three subsequent meetings.
A veterinary report confirmed that Belle had suffered a severe injury causing ongoing suffering and pain, with no pain relief administered. The report also noted that prolonged pressure from the bandage had led to pressure sores and infections, worsening her condition over several weeks. Moore eventually admitted to causing Belle unnecessary suffering by neglecting appropriate veterinary care and failing to meet her basic needs, including providing suitable diet and pain relief.
Both charges were filed under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. After the case, Inspector Ludlam emphasized the importance of support for pet owners, stating: “We understand that veterinary treatment is expensive and that people have their own personal problems to overcome. But financial support and other assistance are always available, and neglecting animals in your care is unacceptable. There are ways to seek help, and ignoring a pet’s suffering is never justified.”
She added: “Belle is only a puppy. All she wanted was to run and play, yet she endured a terrible ordeal because of Moore’s failure to treat her injured leg. Fortunately, we secured the necessary treatment, and Belle has made a full recovery. We’ve also found her a loving new home.”
Moore received a sentence consisting of an eight-week imprisonment suspended for 12 months for the first offence and a four-week imprisonment, also suspended for 12 months, for the second offence. These sentences are to run concurrently. Additionally, he was ordered to complete eight days of rehabilitation, pay costs of £200, and a victim surcharge of £154. Moore is also banned from keeping animals for life.
This case was reported by The Star, with the RSPCA handling the investigations and prosecution.
Follow-up visits were not kept, leading the RSPCA to become involved. Inspector Kristy Ludlam visited Moore’s home in April 2024, where she reported that Moore appeared intoxicated and was aggressive, swearing at her and refusing to surrender Belle into the charity’s care. In her court statement, Inspector Ludlam described Moore’s behavior: “His eyes were extremely bloodshot, his words slurred, and his movements erratic, he appeared intoxicated. He bluntly refused, saying ‘I’m not signing nothing’ — he then became more erratic, pacing around the kitchen.”
Moore asked the inspector to leave, which she did, warning him that further investigations would follow. She later contacted him by phone on May 1 to caution him that she needed to interview him regarding potential offences under the Animal Welfare Act. Although he agreed, Moore failed to attend the scheduled interviews, including three subsequent meetings.
A veterinary report confirmed that Belle had suffered a severe injury causing ongoing suffering and pain, with no pain relief administered. The report also noted that prolonged pressure from the bandage had led to pressure sores and infections, worsening her condition over several weeks. Moore eventually admitted to causing Belle unnecessary suffering by neglecting appropriate veterinary care and failing to meet her basic needs, including providing suitable diet and pain relief.
Both charges were filed under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. After the case, Inspector Ludlam emphasized the importance of support for pet owners, stating: “We understand that veterinary treatment is expensive and that people have their own personal problems to overcome. But financial support and other assistance are always available, and neglecting animals in your care is unacceptable. There are ways to seek help, and ignoring a pet’s suffering is never justified.”
She added: “Belle is only a puppy. All she wanted was to run and play, yet she endured a terrible ordeal because of Moore’s failure to treat her injured leg. Fortunately, we secured the necessary treatment, and Belle has made a full recovery. We’ve also found her a loving new home.”
Moore received a sentence consisting of an eight-week imprisonment suspended for 12 months for the first offence and a four-week imprisonment, also suspended for 12 months, for the second offence. These sentences are to run concurrently. Additionally, he was ordered to complete eight days of rehabilitation, pay costs of £200, and a victim surcharge of £154. Moore is also banned from keeping animals for life.
This case was reported by The Star, with the RSPCA handling the investigations and prosecution.