RIBBLETON DOG ABUSE: STEVEN KLEIN, MELANIE HARDING, AND KELLY OLDHAM FACE JUSTICE IN PRESTON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Ribbleton, Preston, Steven Edward Klein, born around 1969, along with his partner Melanie Harding, born on January 20, 1972, and their lodger Kelly Marie Oldham, born approximately in 1999, have been found guilty of severe abuse towards four dogs under their care. The incident, which drew the attention of local residents and animal welfare authorities, involved repeated acts of physical and mental cruelty inflicted upon the animals, specifically four staffies named Trinity, Harley, Quinn, and Petrol.

According to reports from a neighbor who resides in an apartment overlooking a communal area on Rowan Avenue, Klein’s aggressive behavior towards the dogs was a regular occurrence. The neighbor recounted hearing the animals yelping loudly as Klein shouted, swore, and physically assaulted them. Witnesses observed Klein hitting, kicking, and throwing objects at the dogs on what was described as an almost daily basis. The neighbor’s account was supported by footage she recorded, which captured Klein losing his temper and engaging in violent acts against the animals. This evidence prompted her to report the incidents to Gateway Housing, which subsequently notified the RSPCA, leading to an official investigation.

The RSPCA prosecutor, Paul Ridehalgh, emphasized the severity of the abuse, stating, “The case involves potentially painful and frightening handling and control methods employed by Steven Klein, which were known and observed by Melanie Harding and Kelly Oldham. They failed to protect their dogs from Klein’s cruelty.” He further explained that Harding and Oldham had witnessed Klein’s aggressive behavior, including the dogs crying out in pain and appearing visibly scared. CCTV footage from the communal area was presented in court, corroborating the neighbor’s testimony and showing various incidents of abuse.

Video evidence depicted Klein kicking a lighter-colored dog, which was seen limping on its right hind leg, as well as holding another dog down and forcibly slapping her. Additional footage showed Klein swiping at a dog with a broom, hitting its head, and throwing a ball forcefully at a dog’s side as it tried to pass by. These images painted a clear picture of the cruelty inflicted upon the animals.

In May 2019, the dogs were seized by authorities, and the three defendants were interviewed regarding the incidents. During his interview, Klein claimed that he used a stick to “control” the dogs and insisted that the footage showed him “just playing” with them. Despite his denial of neglecting their needs or causing suffering, Klein was ultimately found guilty after a trial.

Sentencing details revealed that Klein was ordered to pay a total of £570 in fines, costs, and charges. Additionally, he received a six-year ban from keeping animals, which will expire in August 2026. Melanie Harding and Kelly Oldham, who were described in court as ‘vulnerable,’ were ordered to pay £300 in costs and received a four-year ban from keeping animals, set to expire in August 2024. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences faced by those who abuse defenseless creatures in the Preston area.