Latest news with #NaturewatchFoundation
BBC News
04-07-2025
- BBC News
Barnsley man who shared animal fight videos online detained
A man who posted videos on social media of his dogs attacking other animals has been sentenced to 20 months in a young offender's Bates ordered his dogs to attack deer, cats and wild birds before "boasting" about it online, South Yorkshire Police 20-year-old was arrested after a joint investigation into the videos by animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation and the of Darfield Road, Barnsley, was sentenced on Monday after he pleaded guilty to offences, including causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and causing an animal fight. The force said when Bates was arrested in May 2024 officers found a number of photos and videos on his phone of his dogs attacking animals on land in the South Elmsall area of West Yorkshire Police seized three dogs and other items relating to hunting from his home, including stolen 'no poaching' signs from nearby farming well as a sentence of detention Bates was also banned from having any contact with animals for 12 Insp Kevin Lacks-Kelly, head of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, said: "I welcome the sentence of Bates - quite simply, no animal is safe around him."The level of cruelty and suffering he has inflicted for gratification is deeply disturbing, I am sure the public with be quite rightly shocked by this case."I would like to thank South Yorkshire Police for a thorough investigation that has taken this animal abuser off the streets."Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
The Guardian
23-06-2025
- The Guardian
Train police in how pets are used by domestic abusers, says charity
Police should be trained in how pets can be used in coercive control cases, according to a charity that found a 'troubling gap' in awareness about the links between violence against animals and violence against humans. A report from the Naturewatch Foundation found that only 60% of police forces in England and Wales teach officers about pets being used as tools of coercion, punishment and manipulation, even though more than half of UK households have a pet. 'As a police officer, you're more likely to turn up at a household with an animal than not, and there is a very clear link between abuse against animals and abuse against humans,' said Mark Randell, a former senior detective who is a campaigns manager at Naturewatch. He said there were many instances of domestic abusers 'manipulating or punishing an animal' in order to exert more control over their victim. 'It could be to say 'if you leave me I will hurt your dog or your cat', for example. Or it could even be setting down the rules about how you're going to treat that animal, telling someone they're not allowed to take it out,' he said. 'Survivors often form deep emotional bonds with their pets, particularly in the context of abusive relationships. So a police officer who turns up at a domestic abuse crime scene needs to know how to link that pet to the relationship.' He has presented the findings of the report, One Response, to Scotland Yard as part of a call for mandatory training for all frontline officers and for more collaboration between domestic abuse professionals and animal welfare experts. Samantha Billingham, of the Survivors of Domestic Abuse centre, which runs training and support sessions, said there was not enough awareness among professionals about the importance of pets in coercive control cases. She said: 'A lot of people are staying in that situation because of their pets, because there are not a lot of refuges you can take your pets to. In some cases these are dogs and cats that have been in the family for many years. 'And these animals are controlled, they're abused, violent things happen to them because the perpetrator has to be in control all the time. So this has got to be in the training of coercive control where police forces are concerned.' Billingham was in an abusive relationship for many years and witnessed how animals could be used for violence and control. 'I went to bed one night when my partner didn't want me to, and a few minutes later he came into the bedroom and he'd actually killed our pet bird. He brought the bird in on the knife to show me,' she said. Labour's 2024 election manifesto pledged to halve violence against women and girls in a decade, and a strategy is due to be published this summer. Naturewatch said rolling out mandatory training could be a key component. 'The government really needs to embrace this, it's not new thinking,' Randell said. 'We need to start looking at the whole picture, and that includes animals. It's not going to solve all the problems, but this is happening in case after case after case and opportunities are being missed.'
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Warning issued over alarming number of dogs from dodgy breeders as charity shares 'red flags'
Animal welfare charity Naturewatch warns buyers to beware of dodgy dog breeders, as just 15 percent of puppies in the UK come from licensed sources, new data reveals Thinking of adding a four-legged friend to your family? You're not alone - around a million dogs and puppies join UK households every year. But with a booming puppy trade comes a dark underbelly that animal welfare experts warn is putting pets - and buyers - at risk. A new report from Naturewatch Foundation reveals the majority of puppies in Britain are still coming from unknown, unlicensed, or illegal sources. Campaign manager Natalie Harney warns that the system is so complex, it's becoming a "minefield" for the average dog love r. "I feel sorry for people looking to get a puppy and trying to work out what is a complex system," Natalie tells The Mirror. Only around 15 to 20 per cent of dogs bought in the UK each year come from licensed breeders, according to the charity's analysis of Freedom of Information data from 391 councils. That leaves the overwhelming majority coming from unlicensed, sometimes illegal, and often untraceable sources. So, how can Brits avoid falling for scams or engaging in dangerous breeding practices? Natalie explains: "We would always say rescue if you can. But, we know that's not possible for everyone. "Make sure you know your breeder really well and do as much research before seeing a puppy. Even if someone says they're a hobby breeder, check if they're licensed - you'd be surprised how strict the threshold actually is in England." If you're buying a puppy in England, always ask the breeder for their licence number and star rating. Local councils hold this information and are a vital first stop before you arrange any visits. "You want to be with someone with a higher star rating," Natalie adds. "Those with a lower rating aren't operating to the highest standards." Naturewatch also warns against "designer" puppy listings with slick marketing and phrases like "lilac new shade" or "fluffy Frenchies". These aren't just marketing gimmicks - they're apparently big red flags. "If someone's making a big deal out of colour or coat type, that's a major concern for us," says Natalie. "Always treat the listing as a starting point, not the full picture." Visit the breeder's premises in person - never agree to meet halfway - and always see the puppies with their mum. Ask to see the dad if possible. Natalie says: "A trustworthy breeder will encourage multiple visits and won't pressure you into taking a puppy home on your first visit." The animal welfare charity also encourage a contract when purchasing a puppy, as well as ensuring all paperwork is provided before parting with any money. Price points vary, but expect to pay £1,000 to £1,500 depending on breed - and don't be lured by prices that seem too good to be true. "You could get someone who's written a bad listing but is actually a good breeder - or someone who looks legit but is dodgy as anything," Natalie warns. With only 2,897 licensed breeders across the UK and Ireland keeping just 26,000 breeding dogs - compared to a million new puppies annually - the supply-and-demand gap is fuelling a thriving underground trade. Naturewatch is calling for stricter industry oversight and more transparency for buyers. But until then, the public must stay vigilant. "We want the regime to work," Natalie says. "But just because someone is licensed doesn't mean they're as good as you want them to be." What to look for when buying a puppy: Always check the breeder is licensed (ask your local council) Ask for their star rating (in England) Visit the premises – never meet halfway Always see the puppies with mum Ask about the dad Get all paperwork and use a contract Avoid flashy listings with trendy colour or coat claims Never rely solely on the online ad
Daily Mail
05-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Who let the dogs in? Smugglers and criminal breeders are feared to be behind up to four in five of all puppy sales in UK
Only a fifth of puppies in the UK come from licensed breeders, research has found, leading animal welfare experts to warn of the possible scale of illegal breeding and smuggling. Three-quarters of the 950,000 puppies that find homes in the UK every year – around 700,000 – come from unknown sources, a charity has found. They may have been bred by criminals, smugglers or legitimate small-scale breeders who do not require a licence. Animal welfare charity the Naturewatch Foundation carried out the research by asking 360 councils about the number of breeders they had issued licences to. It found that up to 19.5 per cent of puppies come from licensed breeders while 5.8 per cent are from overseas. No official information was available for the source of the remaining 75 per cent. Natalie Harney, from Naturewatch, said: 'Dog lovers will be shocked to learn that most UK dogs and puppies still come from unknown sources. 'While some of these unknown sources will include small breeders who do not require a licence and who are well-meaning, we fear a significant proportion of them are from illegal sources such as criminal gangs breeding on an industrial scale and smugglers.' Three-quarters of the 950,000 puppies that find homes in the UK every year – around 700,000 – come from unknown sources She said despite reforms made in 2018 to the 2006 Animal Welfare Act to clamp down on illegal breeding, loopholes and under-enforcement remained major issues. 'It is clear there is still insufficient oversight of the trade in puppies and dogs in the UK,' Ms Harney added. The figures showed there were 3,000 licensed breeders, with 23,000 breeding dogs. But just a third of councils knew exactly how many dogs the breeders were allowed to keep. Ms Harney said: 'If you are getting an animal, it's vital to make sure you know your breeder. Ask: "Are they licensed? How many dogs are they allowed to keep? Are they happy for you to… see their premises?" 'These are essential questions any prospective puppy buyer should ask.' It comes as dog breeders and pet sellers face a tax crackdown amid concerns that cash-in hand work is helping the black economy boom. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) believes the industry is 'vulnerable to hidden economic activity', partly because of how many sole traders it involves. In a consultation document on the proposed changes, HMRC said: 'The measure may have a significant impact cumulatively on the identified sectors. 'External research on the animal welfare sector shows a substantial increase in dog and cat ownership which has generated demand in breeders and pet sellers. 'We expect around 17,000 animal welfare licences will be affected by this measure. 'Businesses will need to use the tax check service to demonstrate whether and how they are registered for tax each time they apply to renew their licence. 'This will typically take place every three years.'
ITV News
25-04-2025
- ITV News
Lifetime dog ban for Hull man who posted animal fight videos on TikTok
A man who posted videos on social media "glamorising the brutal suffering of wild animals" has been banned from keeping dogs for life. Billy Scarah, 28, filmed dogs fighting badgers and foxes before posting them on Facebook and TikTok. Animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation reported them to the RSPCA, which launched an investigation and found a bull lurcher dog called Buddy with severe injuries to its nose caused by a badger. RSPCA officer Jason Bowles said: 'I could see that he had a large part of his nose missing and the wound looked to be healed. 'He also had extensive scarring from wounds that looked to be healed on his head and legs. The tip of his tail was injured and bleeding.' Scarah, of Feldane, Hull, admitted two offences of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog and one of interfering with a badger sett when he appeared at Hull Magistrates' Court. He was given a 12-month suspended prison sentence and banned for life from keeping dogs. He was also ordered to pay £600 costs and a £187 victim surcharge and to complete 60 hours of unpaid work. RSPCA Ch Insp Ian Muttitt said: 'Watching these videos glorifying and glamorising the brutal suffering of wild animals - and the dogs used to hunt them - is shocking. Sadly, this is something that can easily be found on many of the social media platforms today. 'But we're proud to work closely with the police and other agencies, such as Naturewatch Foundation, to investigate these videos and bring the people to justice who are causing unnecessary suffering to animals, all in the name of TikTok views and Facebook likes.' Sgt Kevin Jones, of Humberside Police, said: 'The persecution of badgers is a UK wildlife crime priority and a priority for the Humberside Police Rural Task Force. Not only does it involve barbaric acts of cruelty against badgers, but it also causes horrific injuries to the dogs involved." Buddy was taken into RSPCA care before being rehomed.
