Leo Robert Chandler and Chloe Samantha Claire Dyke, both of St Thomas Road in Erdington, have been banned from keeping animals for 15 years after an RSPCA investigation uncovered horrific conditions in their home. The couple appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 17 July and admitted three offences under the Animal Welfare Act.
Appalling Conditions Revealed
The investigation began when a collie named Jasper was taken to a vet with serious injuries after being attacked by another dog on 7 January. Vets noted Jasper's matted fur and severe flea infestation, prompting them to alert the RSPCA. The dog was seized and placed into RSPCA care.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officers Tracy Myles and Sarah Guest visited the home and removed three adult dogs and four 10-week-old puppies due to concerns about the environment and the animals' health. Officer Guest described finding a Cane Corso cross named Berserker 'kept in the kitchen with the door tied shut with a lead that was then tied around a radiator.' The dog was underweight, filthy, and suffering fur loss.
House Covered in Excrement
Officer Myles reported that the floor was 'covered with faeces and urine.' A bullbreed dog named Missy, mother to the four puppies, was underweight and had fur loss. Another one-year-old bullbreed, Willow, was locked in a bathroom with the door handle tied to the bannister. The puppies were confined to a bedroom cluttered with rubbish and piles of faeces, with no food or water present. Officer Guest noted that when water was provided, two puppies 'drank frantically until the bowl was empty.'
Sentencing and Disqualification
Magistrates described the case as 'shocking' and the conditions as 'appalling.' Chandler received a 15-year animal ban, a 12-month community order with 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and 200 hours of unpaid work. Dyke also received a 15-year ban, a 12-month community order with 25 rehabilitation days, and a £100 fine. Both were ordered to pay £350 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
In mitigation, the court heard that Dyke suffered from mental health issues and that both defendants expressed remorse, acknowledging the conditions were unacceptable.
RSPCA’s Ongoing Warning
RSPCA Inspector Ben Jones, who investigated the case, stated: 'The conditions of these dogs and their living environment were wholly unacceptable whilst Jasper's injuries were particularly distressing. I hope this case and the disqualification order imposed upon the defendants reminds owners of their legal responsibility to meet the needs of their animals.'
All dogs were signed over to the RSPCA and placed in rehoming centres where they could recover and be prepared for new homes.
