30 dead animals found in stable
Middlesbrough, EN (UK)

Date: May 2005
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 2 files available

Abuser/Suspect: Lee Howard

Upcoming Court Dates:

Mar 29, 2006: sentencing

Case Updates: 3 update(s) available

Case ID: 5881

Classification: Neglect / Abandonment

Animal: rabbit (pet), horse, dog (non pit-bull), chicken

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Lee Howard, 39, is accused of causing unnecessary suffering to 11 hens, 13 horses, four dogs and a rabbit.

He is also charged with abandoning three dogs in circumstances likely to cause them suffering. The remains were found in Trimdon, Co Durham, in May.

Mr Howard of Beaumont Road, Middlesbrough, has been bailed to appear in court on 17 October.

RSPCA investigators found a rottweiler and two border collies alive at the run-down stable along with the carcasses.

It is believed they survived by either eating the carcasses, or by gnawing into food sacks.

Mr Howard will appear before Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court.

Case Updates

Posted on Mar 6, 2006 - 4:02AM

A man has admitted causing unnecessary suffering to dozens of animals at a run-down stables in County Durham. Lee Howard, 39, of Douglas Street in Middlesbrough, was charged after the RSPCA discovered animal remains at Bank Top Stables, Trimdon, last May.

Magistrates at Bishop Auckland heard that 13 horses and ponies, 11 hens, four dogs, and a rabbit had died of dehydration and starvation.

Pre-sentencing reports were ordered and sentencing adjourned until 29 March.

He had also admitted three charges of unnecessarily abandoning three dogs, which were discovered alive alongside the carcasses.

They were taken to the RSPCA's Great Ayton animal centre, and have since recovered and been rehomed.

RSPCA officials went to the scene after complaints from neighbours about the smell and noise of barking dogs.

On entering, they found the rotting remains of the animals and there were also skulls of horses and other bones lying around.

The RSPCA and police were overwhelmed by the smell and maggots could be seen crawling over the carcasses.

Prosecutor Kevin Campbell played to the court a video the RSPCA made at the time.

Howard had originally denied the charges but changed his plea on the morning of the trial.

Jane Scott, defending, said Howard had been suffering from depression and financial difficulties following the death of his mother and was in a "downward spiral".

She said: "He simply could not cope with what life was throwing at him and he simply walked away."

The magistrates heard that in January Howard was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay compensation and costs after he admitted fraud in an unrelated case.

Source: BBC News - March 3, 2006

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Posted on Mar 6, 2006 - 2:19AM

A former insurance worker was warned yesterday that he could face jail after leaving 13 horses and four dogs to starve at an isolated stables. Lee Howard, 39, had previously been cautioned by the RSPCA in 2004 when a number of small animals had been found starved in his flat.

Bishop Auckland magistrates' court was shown a video of the "absolute horror story" at Bank Top Stables, Trimdon, Co Durham.

Officers were met with "horrendous and gruesome" scenes. They found three dogs still struggling to survive by eating the flesh from the maggot-riddled bodies of horses.

Insp Mark Gentz said: "It was horrific at the stables. It was the worst case I have ever seen. I found this hard to deal with emotionally."

Howard, from Middlesbrough, admitted causing unnecessary suffering. The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports.

Source: news.telegraph - March 4, 2006

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Posted on Nov 9, 2005 - 11:55PM

Lee Howard, 39, of Douglas Street, Middlesbrough, is accused of causing unnecessary suffering to 11 hens, 13 horses, four dogs and a rabbit. He is also charged with abandoning three dogs in circumstances likely to cause them unnecessary suffering.

A pre-trial review will be held at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court on 14 December.
Mr Howard was granted unconditional bail. The RSPCA prosecution follows the discovery at a property in Trimdon, County Durham, in May.
Investigators found a rottweiler and two border collies alive at the run-down stable along with the carcasses. It is believed the dogs survived by either eating the carcasses, or by gnawing into food sacks.

Source: BBC News

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References

	BBC October 13, 2005
	BBC October 17, 2005
	The Northeast October 18, 2005
	BBC - March 3, 2006
	The Sun Online - March 3, 2006

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30 dead animals found in stableMiddlesbrough, EN (UK)

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30 dead animals found in stable
Middlesbrough, EN (UK)