SAA came across this posted on www.keeponfighting.net


From www.rspca.org.uk:
The RSPCA reacted with utter disbelief when 15 out of 17 animal cruelty charges
against a Shropshire woman were overturned in November 2004.

Following a tip-off, RSPCA inspector Chris Dunbar discovered 32 dogs and
puppies, including bull mastiffs, Rottweilers, St Bernards and Dalmatians - some
kept in cages - in squalid conditions at the Roberta Mitchell's home.

With the help of colleagues and police officers, Inspector Dunbar removed
several dogs and took them into RSPCA care. A vet substantiated the RSPCA's
concerns, saying the animals were suffering.

Roberta Mitchell of Wood Cottage, Bettisfield, near Whitchurch was convicted in
February 2003 of causing unnecessary suffering to 15 dogs and two elderly
ponies. The animals were living in filthy conditions, resulting in many of the
dogs suffering eye complaints and skin conditions. The two ponies were
underweight, had badly overgrown hooves and were suffering from laminitis.
Sadly, the ponies had to be put to sleep to prevent further suffering.

At a court hearing in February 2004, Mitchell pleaded not guilty, but was
convicted of all 17 counts of causing unnecessary suffering. She was
disqualified from keeping dogs and horses for two years, sentenced to 120 hours
community service and ordered to pay costs of £600.

Ms Mitchell subsequently lodged an appeal.

At the appeal hearing at Mold Crown Court the 15 convictions were overturned and
all the dogs had to be returned to Mitchell. However, she remains guilty of the
two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to the two ponies and was given a
12-month conditional discharge.

Speaking about the appeal result, RSPCA Chief Superintendent of prosecutions,
Phil Wilson said: "The RSPCA is bitterly disappointed at this outcome. The
appeal judge, Mr Nicholas Woodward, forced the Society not to contest 15 out of
17 convictions. Despite not having taken the time to hear all the prosecution
evidence, he gave a clear indication to the RSPCA what, in his view, would be
the likely outcome. The unduly lenient and absurd sentence has resulted in the
RSPCA having to return several animals to the filth and squalor in which they
were found. Clearly the legal system in this country has failed to protect these
animals from abuse."

From www.rspca.org.uk:
The RSPCA reacted with utter disbelief when 15 out of 17 animal cruelty charges
against a Shropshire woman were overturned in November 2004.

Following a tip-off, RSPCA inspector Chris Dunbar discovered 32 dogs and
puppies, including bull mastiffs, Rottweilers, St Bernards and Dalmatians - some
kept in cages - in squalid conditions at the Roberta Mitchell's home.

With the help of colleagues and police officers, Inspector Dunbar removed
several dogs and took them into RSPCA care. A vet substantiated the RSPCA's
concerns, saying the animals were suffering.

Roberta Mitchell of Wood Cottage, Bettisfield, near Whitchurch was convicted in
February 2003 of causing unnecessary suffering to 15 dogs and two elderly
ponies. The animals were living in filthy conditions, resulting in many of the
dogs suffering eye complaints and skin conditions. The two ponies were
underweight, had badly overgrown hooves and were suffering from laminitis.
Sadly, the ponies had to be put to sleep to prevent further suffering.

At a court hearing in February 2004, Mitchell pleaded not guilty, but was
convicted of all 17 counts of causing unnecessary suffering. She was
disqualified from keeping dogs and horses for two years, sentenced to 120 hours
community service and ordered to pay costs of £600.

Ms Mitchell subsequently lodged an appeal.

At the appeal hearing at Mold Crown Court the 15 convictions were overturned and
all the dogs had to be returned to Mitchell. However, she remains guilty of the
two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to the two ponies and was given a
12-month conditional discharge.

Speaking about the appeal result, RSPCA Chief Superintendent of prosecutions,
Phil Wilson said: "The RSPCA is bitterly disappointed at this outcome. The
appeal judge, Mr Nicholas Woodward, forced the Society not to contest 15 out of
17 convictions. Despite not having taken the time to hear all the prosecution
evidence, he gave a clear indication to the RSPCA what, in his view, would be
the likely outcome. The unduly lenient and absurd sentence has resulted in the
RSPCA having to return several animals to the filth and squalor in which they
were found. Clearly the legal system in this country has failed to protect these
animals from abuse."


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!UNTIL ALL ARE FREE!
Shropshire Animal Action

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