The News Life

Men who set dogs on wildlife sentenced

March 14, 2024 by Pham Hien

aftermath of attack on wildlife

Three men from Kent have been jailed after “shocking” WhatsApp messages revealed “a string of offences against wildlife”, RSPCA says.

Matthew McWilliam Junior, Jethro Smith and Harry Noble all pleaded guilty to a string of welfare offences – including setting their dogs on various animals such as foxes, badges and hares.

RSPCA officer Pippa Boyd said, “After investigating another individual for wildlife offences in East Anglia we found a Whatsapp chat that appeared to be a large hunting group. There were a number of messages in the group from Harry Noble.

“A warrant was executed at Noble’s address in March 2019 and his phone was seized. Messages revealed comments, photos and videos related to offences against badgers and foxes. He also recorded voice notes and posted messages about his friends who he went out with for ‘a bit of a sport’ with their dogs. “

In a very distressing video, a badger can be heard screaming as two dogs maul it, encouraged by one of the men. As well as being cruel and deadly to wildlife, such actions

This discovery led to three further warrants at erties in Ashford, Maidstone and New Romney, in October 2019. A total of four dogs were seized: Ollie, Paddy, Tia and Biscuit. As all three men have been disqualified from keeping animals for life, they are now to be rehomed.

In July, District Judge Barron sentenced McWilliam to a total of four months in prison and ordered him to pay £2,000 costs. Smith was also sentenced to four months in prison, and ordered to pay £4,450 costs. Noble was sentenced on 24 September to four months in prison and ordered to pay £2,000 in costs.

Sergeant Darren Walshaw, of Kent Police’s Rural Task Force said, “We work closely with the RSPCA on a range of animal welfare issues, providing support and evidence capture in order to assist them in securing convictions.

“In this instance an intelligence-led approach was taken which led to successful convictions for offences under the wildlife act. These individuals actions were not only criminal but barbaric and cruel.

“We are committed to working with the RSPCA to send a message to those participating in illegal blood sports that their actions will not be tolerated.”

 

Filed Under: Dog New

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • BREAKING: “$550 Million? KEEP IT!” — Tarik Skubal Stuns MLB by Turning Down Massive Offers from Dodgers and Yankees to Stay in Detroit, Sparking Viral Debate About Loyalty, Legacy, and the Future of Baseball Superstars in the Modern Era.nh1
  • BREAKING: Rangers Set to Shock MLB with Unusually Aggressive Trade Deadline Strategy — Sources Reveal the Real, Unexpected Reason That Has Nothing to Do with the Standings But Could Change Everything for 2026.nh1
  • WHAT IF the Braves Make the Wrong Move? Inside the Urgent Trade Deadline Dilemma That Could Decide Whether Atlanta Rules the NL Again in 2026 — Or Watches Another October Fade into Dust.nh1
  • BREAKING NEWS: Aaron Boone’s Future with Yankees in Jeopardy After Explosive Fan Backlash — Viral Tweet Demands Steinbrenner Take Action Amid Season Collapse That Has Left New York Furious, Frustrated, and Searching for Accountability.nh1
  • GOOD NEWS: Kerry Carpenter Is Back — But What He’s Doing for the Tigers Now Is Something No One Saw Coming, and It Might Change the Future of Detroit Baseball Forever.nh1

Recent Comments

  1. A WordPress Commenter on Hello world!

Copyright © 2025 · Paradise on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in