STEPHEN FLITTON, SUSIE TOWER AND LEANNE RICHARDSON FROM HEMEL HEMPSTEAD SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS IN GAD VALLEY COTTAGES
| Red Rose Database
Hemel Hempstead Animal Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Hemel Hempstead, three individuals—Stephen Flitton, Susie Tower, and Leanne Richardson—were found guilty of severe animal cruelty involving their treatment of dogs kept at Gade Valley Cottages on Dagnall Road. The prosecution, brought forward by Dacorum Borough Council, revealed a pattern of neglect and mistreatment that culminated in the removal of four dogs from their property in December 2020.
Animal welfare officers from the council first visited the residence in July 2020, only to discover a scene of squalor and hoarding. The property was filthy, with debris and waste scattered throughout, and several dogs confined within tiny crates. These animals were left in deplorable conditions, often urinating inside their cramped enclosures, with one officer witnessing two dogs urinating through the crates and onto the carpet below during an inspection.
Despite multiple attempts to engage with Flitton, Tower, and Richardson, the trio refused to cooperate. Consequently, on December 21, 2020, authorities obtained a warrant under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to enter the property and rescue the animals. Four dogs were seized during this operation, all found in a state of severe neglect. One of these dogs was so badly neglected that she tragically died shortly after being removed from the property.
Following the rescue, the remaining dogs—named Breeze, Sandy, and Storm—were taken into the care of Dacorum Borough Council. One of the dogs was signed over to the council and, after a period of recovery, was successfully rehomed. The other two dogs are currently under ongoing care, with plans for rehoming once they have fully recovered. The dogs’ suffering was a direct result of the owners’ neglect, which the court described as entirely avoidable.
Rachel Smith, the council’s Animal Welfare Officer who led the investigation, expressed her disappointment and emphasized the importance of animal care. She stated, “This was a lengthy investigation, spanning over 5 months, during which time we have made every effort to engage with the family. All animals deserve to be cared for appropriately and it is never acceptable to neglect an animal or allow an animal to suffer, regardless of your personal circumstances. I am pleased with the courts’ decision to disqualify all three owners from owning any animals as this reflects the suffering that was caused to these dogs, which could have easily been avoided. Hopefully now, the remaining two dogs can continue with their rehabilitation and go on to lead a full and happy life.”
In court, the defendants received their sentences. Stephen Flitton was handed a 12-month community order, along with 100 hours of unpaid work, a fine of £300, and a victim surcharge of £95. Susie Tower and Leanne Richardson received similar sentences, including a 12-month community order, 30 days of rehabilitation activity, a £120 fine, £300 in costs, and a £95 victim surcharge. All three individuals were also disqualified from owning or keeping any animals for life, a measure intended to prevent any future cruelty.
This case highlights the ongoing importance of animal welfare enforcement in the Hemel Hempstead area and serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting vulnerable animals. The community and authorities alike hope that the remaining dogs will now have the opportunity to recover and enjoy a better quality of life, free from the suffering they endured at the hands of their owners.
Animal welfare officers from the council first visited the residence in July 2020, only to discover a scene of squalor and hoarding. The property was filthy, with debris and waste scattered throughout, and several dogs confined within tiny crates. These animals were left in deplorable conditions, often urinating inside their cramped enclosures, with one officer witnessing two dogs urinating through the crates and onto the carpet below during an inspection.
Despite multiple attempts to engage with Flitton, Tower, and Richardson, the trio refused to cooperate. Consequently, on December 21, 2020, authorities obtained a warrant under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to enter the property and rescue the animals. Four dogs were seized during this operation, all found in a state of severe neglect. One of these dogs was so badly neglected that she tragically died shortly after being removed from the property.
Following the rescue, the remaining dogs—named Breeze, Sandy, and Storm—were taken into the care of Dacorum Borough Council. One of the dogs was signed over to the council and, after a period of recovery, was successfully rehomed. The other two dogs are currently under ongoing care, with plans for rehoming once they have fully recovered. The dogs’ suffering was a direct result of the owners’ neglect, which the court described as entirely avoidable.
Rachel Smith, the council’s Animal Welfare Officer who led the investigation, expressed her disappointment and emphasized the importance of animal care. She stated, “This was a lengthy investigation, spanning over 5 months, during which time we have made every effort to engage with the family. All animals deserve to be cared for appropriately and it is never acceptable to neglect an animal or allow an animal to suffer, regardless of your personal circumstances. I am pleased with the courts’ decision to disqualify all three owners from owning any animals as this reflects the suffering that was caused to these dogs, which could have easily been avoided. Hopefully now, the remaining two dogs can continue with their rehabilitation and go on to lead a full and happy life.”
In court, the defendants received their sentences. Stephen Flitton was handed a 12-month community order, along with 100 hours of unpaid work, a fine of £300, and a victim surcharge of £95. Susie Tower and Leanne Richardson received similar sentences, including a 12-month community order, 30 days of rehabilitation activity, a £120 fine, £300 in costs, and a £95 victim surcharge. All three individuals were also disqualified from owning or keeping any animals for life, a measure intended to prevent any future cruelty.
This case highlights the ongoing importance of animal welfare enforcement in the Hemel Hempstead area and serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting vulnerable animals. The community and authorities alike hope that the remaining dogs will now have the opportunity to recover and enjoy a better quality of life, free from the suffering they endured at the hands of their owners.