SIMON MCDONAGH OF HEMEL HEMPSTEAD CAUGHT WITH PUPPIES IN BOOT
| Red Rose Database
Hemel Hempstead Animal Abuser
In a disturbing case that highlights the ongoing issues of illegal puppy trading and neglect, Simon McDonagh, a known traveller from Hemel Hempstead, was found guilty of severe animal cruelty involving nine young puppies. The incident came to light after authorities discovered the puppies in a deplorable state inside the boot of his vehicle.
McDonagh, born on May 26, 1985, and residing at the Three Cherry Trees Lane Travellers Site in Hemel Hempstead with postcode HP2 7HW, faced serious charges after the RSPCA intervened in July 2014. The organization was alerted when police officers conducting a routine inspection stopped McDonagh’s car and noticed the puppies in the vehicle’s trunk. The puppies, which included two springer spaniels, a French bulldog, five pug-crosses, and a chihuahua, were all between six and eight weeks old, except for Hamish, the chihuahua, who was slightly older at 10 to 12 weeks.
Upon examination, the puppies were found in a dire condition. They were extremely underweight, suffering from various viral infections, and infested with parasites. The puppies had been left loose and unsecured in the car’s boot, which meant they were subjected to constant movement and potential injury. The scene was described as heartbreaking by RSPCA inspector Rachel Smith, who emphasized the distress caused to the animals by their treatment.
Inspector Smith explained that the puppies would have been thrown about as the vehicle moved, causing them significant pain and suffering. They had been left untreated for their health issues, which only worsened their condition. Following the discovery, all nine puppies were immediately taken to a veterinarian for urgent care. Sadly, four of the puppies had to be euthanized later due to their critical health status. However, five puppies survived and are now in better health, thanks to prompt intervention.
Further investigation revealed that McDonagh had taken more than 119 puppies to a veterinarian between October 2013 and June 2014 for initial vaccinations. Authorities believe that these puppies were being traded rather than kept as pets, indicating involvement in illegal puppy selling operations. Evidence of this was found on five mobile phones seized during the police search, which contained text messages related to the sale of puppies.
Inspector Smith highlighted that the case was emblematic of a broader problem with unlicensed puppy breeders. She urged prospective dog buyers to verify whether breeders are licensed and to avoid unregulated sources. Instead, she recommended adopting from reputable charities or rescue organizations, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership.
In court, McDonagh was sentenced to a 12-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work, pay costs amounting to £4,609.84, and a victim surcharge of £80. Additionally, he received a two-year ban on keeping dogs, which expired in 2017. The case underscores the critical need for vigilance against illegal puppy trading and the importance of animal welfare enforcement.
McDonagh, born on May 26, 1985, and residing at the Three Cherry Trees Lane Travellers Site in Hemel Hempstead with postcode HP2 7HW, faced serious charges after the RSPCA intervened in July 2014. The organization was alerted when police officers conducting a routine inspection stopped McDonagh’s car and noticed the puppies in the vehicle’s trunk. The puppies, which included two springer spaniels, a French bulldog, five pug-crosses, and a chihuahua, were all between six and eight weeks old, except for Hamish, the chihuahua, who was slightly older at 10 to 12 weeks.
Upon examination, the puppies were found in a dire condition. They were extremely underweight, suffering from various viral infections, and infested with parasites. The puppies had been left loose and unsecured in the car’s boot, which meant they were subjected to constant movement and potential injury. The scene was described as heartbreaking by RSPCA inspector Rachel Smith, who emphasized the distress caused to the animals by their treatment.
Inspector Smith explained that the puppies would have been thrown about as the vehicle moved, causing them significant pain and suffering. They had been left untreated for their health issues, which only worsened their condition. Following the discovery, all nine puppies were immediately taken to a veterinarian for urgent care. Sadly, four of the puppies had to be euthanized later due to their critical health status. However, five puppies survived and are now in better health, thanks to prompt intervention.
Further investigation revealed that McDonagh had taken more than 119 puppies to a veterinarian between October 2013 and June 2014 for initial vaccinations. Authorities believe that these puppies were being traded rather than kept as pets, indicating involvement in illegal puppy selling operations. Evidence of this was found on five mobile phones seized during the police search, which contained text messages related to the sale of puppies.
Inspector Smith highlighted that the case was emblematic of a broader problem with unlicensed puppy breeders. She urged prospective dog buyers to verify whether breeders are licensed and to avoid unregulated sources. Instead, she recommended adopting from reputable charities or rescue organizations, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership.
In court, McDonagh was sentenced to a 12-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work, pay costs amounting to £4,609.84, and a victim surcharge of £80. Additionally, he received a two-year ban on keeping dogs, which expired in 2017. The case underscores the critical need for vigilance against illegal puppy trading and the importance of animal welfare enforcement.