STEPHEN CARR OF MILLOM SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL ABUSE IN CUMBRIA
Stephen Carr, born on November 11, 1986, of 10 Munroe Avenue, Millom LA18 5AL, was convicted after failing to seek veterinary care for two of his dogs, which had facial injuries indicative of wild animal fighting.Carr, a married father of two young sons, openly boasts about his bloodsports interests on his Facebook page.
He pleaded guilty to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to animals.
The court was told that Cumbria Police, accompanied by RSPCA officers, executed a warrant at Carr’s residence on August 14, 2019.
During the search, three dogs were discovered in kennels at the bottom of the garden; two of these dogs had facial injuries.
A veterinarian examined Toby, a bull lurcher, and found a lower lip laceration approximately a month old that was still healing, with no evidence of intervention to repair it.
Boots, a Patterdale Terrier, was found to have an old degloving injury on her jaw caused by traumatic tearing forces, resulting in facial scarring.
The vet report noted, ‘these injuries are incredibly painful,’ and stated there was no evidence they had been treated, having instead been left to heal naturally.
Photos of Carr and his wife Kimberley were also noted, with Carr reportedly boasting about his bloodsports activities on social media.
RSPCA Inspector Ian Briggs commented, “As a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure your pet receives veterinary treatment when needed so they do not suffer.
We are pleased that Boots, Toby, and Blaze will soon be finding loving new homes.” Copeland Neighbourhood Police Officer Marie Carter said, “This is a welcome result which enforces the message that mistreatment or abuse of animals will not be tolerated and will result in robust action.
We continue to work with our partners in the RSPCA to bring offenders to justice.
Anyone with information regarding such offences is encouraged to contact Cumbria Constabulary on 101 or Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.” In sentencing, Carr received a 12-week prison sentence suspended for an unspecified period, was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, and to pay £622 in costs.
He is also disqualified from keeping dogs for ten years.
The three dogs—Boots, Toby, and Blaze—are now in RSPCA care and will soon be available for adoption.
