TOMMY WALL FROM SMITHY FEN TRAVELLERS SITE FACES JUSTICE OVER DOG'S SUFFERING NEAR COTTENHAM AND CAMBRIDGE
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Smithy Fen Travellers site Animal Abuser
Tommy Wall, a resident of the well-known Irish travellers site at Smithy Fen, located on Pine Lane near Cottenham in Cambridge, has been found guilty of neglecting his dog, Patch, leading to severe injury and suffering. The incident, which took place in early May 2018, has drawn significant attention from animal welfare authorities and the local community alike.
According to court records, Wall failed to seek proper veterinary care for Patch after the dog sustained a fractured leg. The timeline of events indicates that between May 2 and May 10, 2018, the dog was in obvious pain, yet Wall did not take the necessary steps to ensure his pet received medical attention. Despite initially taking Patch to a veterinary clinic, Wall left the premises after being advised that the injury could be a fractured leg, citing a lack of funds as the reason for not proceeding with treatment.
This decision resulted in the dog being left in a state of suffering for several days. Concerned individuals contacted the RSPCA, which responded promptly by dispatching an inspector to assess the situation. Inspector Alex Coghlan visited Wall and provided him with details of an RSPCA-affiliated veterinary clinic that could offer assistance. However, Wall failed to attend the clinic on two separate occasions, neglecting the opportunity to get professional help for Patch.
As the dog's condition worsened, the RSPCA intervened further. After confirming that the leg was indeed fractured, the charity arranged for the dog to be taken to a veterinary hospital. The situation escalated when the RSPCA, having exhausted all efforts, involved the police to seize Patch. The dog was then placed into the care of the RSPCA, where he underwent surgery to amputate the damaged leg. The decision to amputate was made after veterinary assessment confirmed the severity of the injury.
During the court proceedings, Inspector Coghlan expressed her concern over the prolonged suffering endured by Patch. She stated, “Poor Patch would have suffered for a number of days because his owner failed to get him the necessary treatment. There is just no excuse for allowing a dog to suffer for such a long period of time, especially when he had been advised the leg could be fractured and that help was offered so that he could get the treatment for Patch.”
The court sentenced Wall to an 18-week custodial sentence and ordered him to pay £500 in costs. Additionally, Wall was disqualified from keeping any animals for a period of five years, a ban that expired in January 2023. The court’s decision underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and the legal obligation to seek veterinary care when animals are injured or ill.
Following the court ruling, Patch has been placed with a foster carer who may consider adopting him permanently once the legal process is complete. The case serves as a stark reminder to pet owners across the region, including those living at Smithy Fen and nearby communities, that neglect and failure to provide necessary medical treatment can lead to severe legal consequences and animal suffering. The RSPCA continues to advocate for responsible pet care and urges owners to seek help from available organizations if financial constraints pose a barrier to veterinary treatment.
According to court records, Wall failed to seek proper veterinary care for Patch after the dog sustained a fractured leg. The timeline of events indicates that between May 2 and May 10, 2018, the dog was in obvious pain, yet Wall did not take the necessary steps to ensure his pet received medical attention. Despite initially taking Patch to a veterinary clinic, Wall left the premises after being advised that the injury could be a fractured leg, citing a lack of funds as the reason for not proceeding with treatment.
This decision resulted in the dog being left in a state of suffering for several days. Concerned individuals contacted the RSPCA, which responded promptly by dispatching an inspector to assess the situation. Inspector Alex Coghlan visited Wall and provided him with details of an RSPCA-affiliated veterinary clinic that could offer assistance. However, Wall failed to attend the clinic on two separate occasions, neglecting the opportunity to get professional help for Patch.
As the dog's condition worsened, the RSPCA intervened further. After confirming that the leg was indeed fractured, the charity arranged for the dog to be taken to a veterinary hospital. The situation escalated when the RSPCA, having exhausted all efforts, involved the police to seize Patch. The dog was then placed into the care of the RSPCA, where he underwent surgery to amputate the damaged leg. The decision to amputate was made after veterinary assessment confirmed the severity of the injury.
During the court proceedings, Inspector Coghlan expressed her concern over the prolonged suffering endured by Patch. She stated, “Poor Patch would have suffered for a number of days because his owner failed to get him the necessary treatment. There is just no excuse for allowing a dog to suffer for such a long period of time, especially when he had been advised the leg could be fractured and that help was offered so that he could get the treatment for Patch.”
The court sentenced Wall to an 18-week custodial sentence and ordered him to pay £500 in costs. Additionally, Wall was disqualified from keeping any animals for a period of five years, a ban that expired in January 2023. The court’s decision underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and the legal obligation to seek veterinary care when animals are injured or ill.
Following the court ruling, Patch has been placed with a foster carer who may consider adopting him permanently once the legal process is complete. The case serves as a stark reminder to pet owners across the region, including those living at Smithy Fen and nearby communities, that neglect and failure to provide necessary medical treatment can lead to severe legal consequences and animal suffering. The RSPCA continues to advocate for responsible pet care and urges owners to seek help from available organizations if financial constraints pose a barrier to veterinary treatment.