George, 80, and Georgina Reynolds, 58, both pled guilty to charges of animal cruelty at Thames Magistrates Court in relation to five dogs, who were discovered in appalling conditions.
- Five dogs found in atrocious conditions at property in Canning Town
- Vet described the level of cruelty and neglect as the worst they’d ever encountered
- Both banned from owning animals for life
George, 80, and Georgina Reynolds, 58, both pled guilty to charges of animal cruelty at Thames Magistrates Court in relation to five dogs, who were discovered in appalling conditions at Ford Park Road, Canning Town in March this year.
All five dogs had significant health problems related to neglect, including substantial hair loss, flea infestation and injuries caused by fighting with other dogs.
Councillor Amar Virdee, Cabinet member for Housing Needs, Homelessness & Private Rented Sector, and Community Safety and Crime, said: “This is one of the worst cases of animal cruelty and neglect that many of the professionals involved had ever witnessed.
“Thanks to the public spirited intervention of a member of the public, and the swift and decisive of our Animal Welfare officers, these dogs have been saved from a life of misery and pain. It is wonderful to share that after receiving months of veterinary care and treatment these five dogs have now been happily re-homed.
“I would urge anyone who is struggling to adequately care for a pet, or anyone who is concerned for the welfare of an animal, to contact our welfare team for help and support.”
The dogs, which are all Staffordshire Terrier types, were seized by Welfare Teams and have now been successfully rehomed.
George and Georgina Reynolds were spared jail due to their ages, and vulnerability.
George was subject to a curfew and must wear an ankle bracelet. Georgian was sentenced to serve 150 hours of unpaid community service. The Council was also granted costs of over £4,000.
In reaching its verdict, the Court took the following aggravating factors into account:
- The vet surgery who examined the dogs stated that it was the worst case she had dealt with in her career
- Clearly it had been a significant period of time that they had been suffering
- All the dogs required significant veterinary care to recover – this treatment took a long period of time before they were fit for rehoming
- Both defendants lied stating they only had two dogs while attempting to hide the other three animals.
Newham Animal Welfare teams visited the property in March 2024 following calls from a concerned member of the public. The dogs were found within the home, which was covered in faeces, without any obvious access to water or food.
