Forest of Dean District Council has prosecuted two individuals for offences relating to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Stacey McDermott pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to dogs in her care and two counts of failing to meet the needs of the dogs and a bearded dragon in her care. Jon McDermott pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to meet an animal’s needs for the bearded dragon and all 6 dogs.

Today they were sentenced to 8 weeks custodial sentence, each suspended for 12 months, contribution towards councils costs and were ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154.

They also received a Disqualification from keeping dogs for a period of 5 years.

The prosecution was brought by the Street Warden Team at The Forest of Dean District Council with the assistance of the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit.

Leader of Forest of Dean District Council, Cllr Mark Topping, said:

“Our Street Warden team does a fantastic job ensuring that animals in our district are looked after properly, and that those who mistreat, or cause harm to their animals are held accountable for their actions. Today’s verdict should stand as testament to this.

“We will not allow animals in the Forest of Dean to suffer from neglect and if, as in this case, proper care is not provided then our Street Warden and Counter Fraud and Enforcement team will take enforcement action.”

A warrant was executed at the address on Thursday 9 of February 2023 with the assistance of the Rural Crime Team and Local Policing Team from Gloucestershire Constabulary.

Within the premises, six dogs and a bearded dragon were discovered in poor conditions. Four of the dogs – cavapoos/cross breeds were found in an upstairs bedroom in squalid conditions. The wooden bedroom floor and en-suite floor was covered in dog faeces and urine and the dogs were unkempt with long claws and matted fur. Two further dogs were kept downstairs in the kitchen, with the floor of the kitchen containing dried and fresh dog faeces and all dogs having very little bedding.

The dogs were seized from the address and were taken for treatment at a local vet practice. They were found to have various health conditions, badly matted coats, and were covered in fleas.

The bearded dragon was found in the conservatory area in an appropriately-sized vivarium, but had no heat and no lighting at the time of the officers’ attendance. The substrate was full of faeces and there appeared to be no fresh food or water. 

Community Safety Lead at Forest of Dean District Council, Damion Collins added:

“We do all we can to prevent animals being subjected to suffering and I would like to thank everyone involved in investigating this case, and bringing this successful prosecution." 

“No animal should have to suffer. The owner of the animal has the responsibility to ensure the animal is protected, kept free from pain and nurtured in a safe environment.

If you have any welfare concerns for animals that you are aware of, please do not hesitate to contact our street warden team at [email protected].”