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Man guilty of failing to ensure welfare of 84 dogs at family home

A children's social worker has been found guilty of animal welfare offences after 84 dogs were found in "squalid conditions" at his home.

  • David Parkes was found guilty of failing to ensure the welfare of 84 dogs.
  • His wife, Delphine Parkes, and son, Sam Parkes, previously pleaded guilty to the same offences.
  • All three will be sentenced on 9 December.

David Parkes, a children's social worker, has been found guilty of failing to ensure the welfare of 84 dogs kept in "squalid conditions" at his family home in Tickhill, Doncaster.

The 61-year-old had denied animal welfare offences, claiming his wife, Delphine, and son, Sam, were primarily responsible for the dogs' care. However, he was found guilty following a two-day trial at Barnsley Magistrates' Court.

Delphine Parkes, 60, and Sam Parkes, 28, had previously pleaded guilty to the same offences at an earlier hearing. All three are scheduled to be sentenced on 9 December.

The court heard that 80 Springer Spaniel-type dogs, two adult Patterdale Terriers, two Patterdale Terrier pups, and two cats were discovered at Galley Hill Farm Cottage in April last year. Prosecutor Philip Brown stated the home was "heavily contaminated" with urine and faeces.

Magistrates were told that five of the dogs were found to be "critically underweight" by vets, with some also injured. The RSPCA confirmed that all but one of the animals have since been rehomed.

Lynne Fairbridge, who chaired the hearing, informed Mr Parkes that "all options," including custody, would be considered at the sentencing.

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