A greyhound trainer who kept his dogs in filthy, blood-stained kennels has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Wirral Borough Council removed 29 dogs from a farm in April 2009 after
earlier warning trainer Ian Street about the welfare of his animals.

Many were infested with parasites, some had infected sores and others had broken tails, Wirral magistrates heard.

Street, who admitted 11 charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, was also banned from keeping animals for life.

Charity Greyhound Rescue West of England (GRWE), which assisted with
the removal of the dogs, believes it is the first time a local council
has used the act to rescue greyhounds.

The court heard that Street´s dogs were being kept in damaged, rusty
and blood-stained wire kennels, a garden shed and a loose-run compound
at the farm on Frankby Road.

A number of the greyhounds had severely damaged and bleeding tails, several with old breaks.

The dogs had poor skin and coats that were caked in mud, urine and
faeces. Most were displaying evidence of heavy flea, mite and worm
infestations.

Street admitted 11 charges under Section 4 and Section 9 of the act,
which covers the prevention of unnecessary suffering and an owner´s
duty to ensure welfare.

He was jailed for four months, suspended for one year, ordered to pay £1,000 costs and banned from keeping animals for life.

Speaking after the sentencing on Monday, a spokesperson for GRWE said:
"We are absolutely delighted with the sentence handed down to Mr Street
today, and feel it shows due recognition of the neglect these dogs have
endured.

"We hope it will encourage other councils to use their powers under the
animal welfare act to remove racing greyhounds from unsuitable
conditions in the future.

"We are delighted that the court has seen fit to ensure that no other
dogs will be subjected to thoughtless cruelty at the hands of Mr
Street."

Disgaceful sentence after what those dogs suffered

I agree Karen

OMG...

an absolutely pathetic sentence

stick him in a bloodstained enclosure with a broken tail and see how he fares