Latest news with #PocketBully
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Yahoo
Mum and sons kept dogs in cramped and soiled cages
A mother and her two sons, who kept dogs in cages described as so soiled with urine the smell "burned" the nose and throat of an RSPCA inspector, have been banned from keeping animals. The dogs were found in metal cages, some stacked on top of each other with no water or bedding at Michelle Wilding's home in Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire, the RSPCA stated. An inspector said Christopher Wilding, 41, told investigators the 22 dogs would spend up to 18 hours a day in cages in an outhouse, even when temperatures were just 3C. Ms Wilding, 60, and elder son Christopher were given suspended jail terms, while Jack Wilding, 29, was fined £270 at Lancaster Magistrates Court. All three pleaded guilty. All three family members, of Mains Lane, admitted to offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 between 8 October 2023 and 8 November 2023. Michelle and Christopher were banned from keeping all animals for 15 years and given 27-week jail terms suspended for two years. They were also ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge, with Michelle told to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. Jack was banned from keeping animals for 10 years and was ordered to pay a £108 victim surcharge, on top of the stipulated fine. The RSPCA first visited the site in January 2021 and advised Michelle the dogs' housing was unsuitable after finding "piles of rubbish bags in the doorway of the garage full of dog excrement and shavings". One Pocket Bully was found in a cage which was too small, while other dogs had no access to water, the inspector stated at the time. When the officer returned later the same month, she was refused access. She returned in February and met Christopher, who admitted the dogs spent up to 18 hours per day in the "small cages" in an outside shed. She measured the temperature around the kennels and found it was between 3-7C. "I advised it would drop even colder at night, and that this was far too cold for the dogs." She also gave advice on how to improve the situation and care for the dogs properly. An animal rescue officer returned to the property in November 2023. In a statement, she described the outhouse as "dirty and smelly". "The building had a strong smell of ammonia that burned my nose and throat," she said. "There were metal cages round the outside edge of the building, and then more towards the door piled on top of each other. "Each pen had no food or water or bedding available, and contained urine and faeces. "Some dogs were very cramped and unable to stand or turn around due to lack of space. "Some dogs looked like they had pressure type sores, some were constantly spinning and chewing at the metal bars. "I placed each dog on a lead for the vet to examine... some had to be carried as would not walk on a lead." A vet's report said 12 of the dogs found on the site were described as having "thin body condition", two had heart murmurs, two had eye infections and two had ear infections. Many had dental disease and tooth wear "likely from bar biting". After the hearing, RSPCA Inspector Will Lamping, said: "These dogs were kept in conditions which no animal should suffer. They were confined in tight spaces, surrounded by dirt and denied food, water and medical aid." He said it was a "relief to have been able to take those animals to a place of safety and get them the veterinary care they needed". The RSPCA said it was looking to rehome the dogs it had recovered from the property. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Related internet links HM Courts & Tribunals Service RSPCA
Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Freddy Brazier 'splits from girlfriend' after series of bitter bust-ups
Son of Jade Goody and Jeff Brazier, Freddy Brazier has reportedly split from girlfriend Holly Swinburn shortly after the pair bought a dog together Freddy Brazier has reportedly split from his girlfriend Holly Swinburn. It's said Jade Goody and Jeff Brazier's 20-year-old son has now called time on the pairing, despite the duo sharing a dog. Freddy had been living with Holly at her home in East London. As things continued to blossom, the pair bought a pet dog together. However, they purchased a Pocket Bully named Pablo - and even launched an Instagram page for the pet pooch. Now, though, it appears things have soured between the pair. Just last week Freddy had been sharing gushing messages about the 21-year-old on social media. He wrote at the time alongside an image of the pair: "Couldn't think of a caption, but the photos say it all. Life is good." Speaking of the split, a source claimed to the Mail: "Things got very intense very quickly and Freddy had been living with Holly and they had holidayed together, making plans for their future, but it has turned ugly pretty fast. "There has been an almighty fall out and neither party believes they're in the wrong - it has become the latest saga in Freddy's life following a series of setbacks." They added: "Nothing seems simple at the moment." Freddy recently reached out to brother Bobby. Sharing throwback videos, Freddy reminisced about 'making memories' with his sibling. He previously admitted he wanted to be on good terms with his dad and his nan and had hoped to check into a clinic in Spain to maintain 'healthy relationships.' He continued to say he has been addicted to "smoking" from the age of 12 and was seeking treatment to 'get clean'. However, he also recently changed his mind on going to rehab. Taking to Instagram, Freddy said of his past relationship with his brother: "Only thing I miss about Covid is the amount of time I had with my brother to bond and make memories and have a laugh." He also said he intended on getting "clean" so he could "live happily and have healthy relationships with people and be there for all of my family rather then feeling like I'm in the middle and have to choose a side". Bobby recently shocked fans after opening up for the first time about his family's estrangement to brother Freddy. He confessed there are "things I don't like" about his sibling. Bobby told The Sun on Sunday: "Freddy's very sensitive and wants to please. And when he grows up a little bit that will serve him well. "There are things I don't like about him and there are things about me he doesn't like. Freddy will be OK, I don't know if he looks up to me, but I look up to him in many ways, but he's a good boy."
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Nan 'shielded toddler grandson with her own body' during horror mauling
Willesden Magistrates' Court heard that Bully Oynx got out of the family's north London home and attacked a two-year-old boy on the street, forcing his grandmother to intervene A nan has told a court of the horrific moment she knew a dog was about to attack her grandson, before she tried to shield him with her own body. The toddler was so viciously bitten he needed plastic surgery on his right leg and groin after being mauled outside his own home in north London last summer. Willesden Magistrates' Court heard the child was with his grandmother, when the Pocket Bully dog named Onyx escaped from his owner's home. Emma Eatwell, prosecuting, told the court Onyx attacked the child after he escaped. She said: "He ran up to them at speed. His grandmother describes the dog menacingly approaching them. She knew that she and her grandson were about to be attacked by the dog." She tried to pull her grandson away and cover his body with her own, the court heard. "The dog grabbed the child by the leg and began pulling. He was shouting and crying at the time," Ms Eatwell added. "The dog bit him twice around the leg area and also in the groin. It caused deep puncture wounds which required hospital attention." The dog's owner, mum-of-six Lysa Marten apologised in court about what took place. Ms Martyn, 49, previously appeared on ITV's This Morning in 2020 seeking help for her sons' addiction to Fortnite. She also hit the headlines in 2019 when she finally had a daughter after giving birth to five sons. The court heard that following the dog attack, Martin drove the boy and his grandmother to the Royal Free Hospital where he was given antibiotics and painkillers. He needed stitches and underwent surgery to remove damaged tissue, the court heard. The prosecution is seeking a destruction order for the dog. Ms Eatwell told the court: "This was an unprovoked attack on a very young child. His injuries could have been significantly worse if it had not been for the actions of the child's grandmother, who attempted to shield the child with her own body. "We say that there is a significant risk of a similar incident happening again. All it took for the dog to become aggressive was for [the boy] to walk along the street with an adult. He did not provoke the dog, he did not interact with the dog." In a victim impact statement the boy's mother said that she has been receiving therapy. Describing how she feels when she thinks about the attack she said: "I feel my throat close up. I become worried and scared. I can no longer leave the house by myself. The screams of other children trigger myself." The boy's grandmother said: "I felt my grandson's life was put in danger by that dog." Giving evidence Martin said: "He's a very playful dog, he was a puppy. He does display hyperactivity in his actions. He's a baby, he does dart around." She said that she tried to help the boy and his grandmother immediately after the attack. "I was thinking how I would react if that was my child. I went into parent mode straight away. I got an ice bag to help with the injury. I took them straight to the emergency department. I was very apologetic about what happened. I just kept apologising. It was an adult mistake, not a dog mistake." Nicola White, defending Martin, said: "It is quite clear that the defendant has given clear and consistent evidence. I believe that she is a credible witness. It was simply a very unfortunate accident. You heard her feelings in respect of the incident. "She took the parties to the hospital. She went as far as to get the antibiotics from the pharmacy. She would be happy to pay compensation." Onyx' was spared the death penalty after a judge said he was a "much loved family pet". District Judge Jack Walsh warned Martin she will have to abide by a number of conditions in order to keep him alive. In public Onyx will have to wear a box style muzzle and be on a fixed leash no longer than 1.5 metres. At home she will have to install an animal gate from the wall to the stairs in the hallway, put the dog behind the gate before she opens the door and fit a second bolt at the bottom of the side gate. Before the side gate is opened the secondary gate must be closed and locked with Onyx behind it in the garden. The judge told Martin: "This was a shocking and frightening attack on a young boy which caused serious injury to him." He said the boy's grandmother bravely sought to shield him from the bites." He added: "Onyx is not a banned breed. He is a much loved family pet. I know that Ms Martin was very upset that Onyx caused those injuries. "She said that she would comply with any condition imposed by the court to ensure that Onyx can return to her. The safety of the public is what I am concerned with. What Onyx did was serious. "He bit his upper leg and groin, which required cleaning, surgery and general aesthetic. This must have been painful and extremely frightening for him. It is submitted by the defence that Onyx was playing. His idea of playing can clearly cause injury. I accept that Ms Martin will now be very, very careful with Onyx." The judge said that the attack was not entirely Ms Martin's fault because a neighbour had left a side gate open when he came into the garden to borrow a wheelbarrow, and Onyx ran out. The injuries here were in my view serious, but your culpability in my opinion is low. There is no suggestion that Onyx injured or attempted any of your children or children of friends." Martin was ordered to pay £500 in compensation to the boy, and £500 to his grandmother. She will also have to pay £500 in kennel costs. "She will pay the money at a rate of £80 a month as she is on Universal Credit. The judge told Martin, who became tearful in the dock: "It is important that you pay the order when required. "The compensation order is going to be the sentence of the court."
Daily Mirror
16-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Man and woman mauled by 'Bully-type dog' as three animals seized from home
Police have seized three dogs after a man and woman were mauled and seriously injured in the middle of the night. The man and woman, in their 30s and 20s respectively, were rushed to hospital after the horror attack in Blackpool shortly after 2.30am on June 15. The bully-type dog thought responsible was seized, as were two other dogs at the scene. A Lancashire Police spokesperson told The Mirror: "We were called at 2.38am today by colleagues at the North West Ambulance Service to an address in Havelock Street, Blackpool, to a report two people had been attacked by a dog. Officers attended and found that a man in his 30s and a woman in her 20s had suffered dog bite injuries. They were taken to the hospital for treatment. A bully-type dog involved in the attack has been seized, as have two other dogs at the premises." Last month, a church volunteer was viciously attacked by an XL Bully while he was sleeping - with the banned breed ripping off his ear. Darren Shuttleworth-Long was looking after the dog, which isn't his, when he was set upon on April 26 earlier this year at an address in Exeter Street, Swindon. The 52-year-old had fallen asleep next to the pet but woke up to it with its jaw locked underneath his armpit. The dog continued to attack and bite Darren, from Swindon, Wiltshire, for around 10 minutes. The XL Bully managed to tear his right ear off and also left half of Darren's nose "hanging off". Darren, a volunteer at his local church, said: "I went to sleep and had the dog asleep next to me. I woke up and it had latched on the side of me. I managed to move it off. "It attacked me again and hit me on the side. I crashed against the bedroom door and locked myself in with the dog. He was having a go on my right ear. He bit my ear off. He hit me about eight to ten times - I thought 'I'm in serious trouble'." It comes after the owner of a Bully dog that attacked a five-year-old boy claimed the child was "in the wrong". Arron Eccles' Pocket Bully attacked Antonio Quinn after the boy came into the house and startled the pet. The dog left Antonio with injuries to his face and legs. Antonio went on to need a three-hour-long operation and the pet as well as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, owned by Aaron's partner, were taken away from the site of the attack. But Aaron, 34, has defended his pet, telling The Sun: "It's a genuine mistake and the parents aren't accepting the fact that their child's in the wrong for coming into the house." rron also said he would be happy for his pet to play with his own six-month-old son. Antonio's stunned mum Amanda Holmes slammed the owner's claim and said the child was "very lucky to be alive", insisting he was not at all to blame. She claimed that "trying to justify" the dog's behaviour was "sickening".
Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Owner of Pocket Bully dog that attacked boy, 5, says child 'was in the wrong'
Aaron Eccles, who was previously homeless and lived with the Pocket Bully, said his dog is fiercely loyal and that the attack was a 'genuine mistake' with no malicious intent The owner of a Bully dog which attacked a five-year-old boy claims it was a "genuine mistake" and said the child was "in the wrong". Arron Eccles' Pocket Bully attacked Antonio Quinn after the boy came into the house and startled the pet. The dog left Antonio with injuries to his face and legs. Antonio went on to need a three-hour-long operation and the pet as well as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, owned by Aaron's partner, were taken away from the site of the attack. But Aaron, 34, has defended his pet, telling The Sun: "It's a genuine mistake and the parents aren't accepting the fact that their child's in the wrong for coming into the house." Arron also said he would be happy for his pet to play with his own six-month-old son. Antonio's stunned mum Amanda Holmes slammed the owner's claim and said the child was "very lucky to be alive", insisting he was not at all to blame. She claimed that "trying to justify" the dog's behaviour was "sickening". Aaron said he arrived home on May 26 to some "20 armed officers" outside, and claimed the incident did not mean his Pocket Bully Harry was "dangerous". Antonio was attacked after he followed Aaron's six-year-old stepson into the home in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire. The Staffy was kept in a cage to keep her away from Harry. Aaron went on to say: "I came back and there's 20 armed police terrorising my dogs, pepper spraying them and winding them up. He got reported as an XL Bully but it wasn't. He's a Pocket Bully." Pocket Bully dogs are not covered by the ban on XL Bully dogs. The ban was introduced by the previous Conservative government following several brutal attacks on people, and now owners need valid certificates of exemption to own them. Aaron said there would not have been a similar response if they knew Harry was smaller than an XL Bully. He added most dogs react to an "intruder" in their territory. "The dog's never met the little boy before so he's thought he's an intruder and he's nipped him to warn him to get out," he said. "He hasn't grabbed hold of him and shook him about - nothing like how it's been portrayed." Aaron said his partner told her son not to go back into the house and added: "It's a genuine mistake and the parents aren't accepting the fact that their child's in the wrong for coming into the house." Aaron was previously homeless with Harry and credits him as his only companion. He added the dog is extremely loyal to him and normally acts "like a teddy bear".
