An animal abuser and offender from Bradford, Ben Wilson, was incarcerated back in 2016 and issued a lifetime prohibition on animal ownership after confessing to many cruelty charges, including badger-baiting and torturing various other animals.
Ben Wilson, then 27, was additionally charged with inflicting unnecessary suffering on a bull lurcher-type dog named Laddie, although no charges for sexual abuse of the animal were pursued.
Ben Wilson, residing on Sunbridge Road, pleaded guilty to eight violations of the Protection of Badgers Act and the Animal Welfare Act in a case initiated by the RSPCA at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court.
He acknowledged five charges of unlawfully taking eight badgers on five distinct dates in July and August of the previous year, including incidents at Thornton in Bradford and a site in Kent.
Ben Wilson was also culpable of cruelty and neglecting the needs of Laddie, in addition to another accusation of failing to satisfy the needs of nine bull lurcher-type puppies which he had also tortured.
The allegations regarding the mistreatment of the dogs reportedly occurred at a location on High Street, Thornton, during August and September 2015.
He acknowledged that the environmental conditions in which the puppies resided were intolerable, despite reports indicating that the puppies were in good health.
Ben Wilson received a 24-week prison sentence and was permanently prohibited from possessing any animals, with no possibility of appeal against the prohibition for a minimum of ten years.
He was mandated to remit costs amounting to £750 and a victim surcharge of £115, both must be paid in full to the court within 24 weeks.
A deprivation order was issued for the dogs.
Speaking after the case, RSPCA inspector Sophie Long said: “Laddie had severe injuries to his face and body consistent with being used for badger baiting, and was suffering a great deal when he was removed by police and placed in our care.
“He wasn’t the only animal to suffer for Ben Wilson’s enjoyment and arousal.
“Ben Wilson’s own hunting diary, seized by police from his home, along with posts on social media, documented the animals he had caused to suffer and die along with details of how the torture and death had given him enjoyment and excited him.
“Nine bull lurcher puppies were living in an unsuitable environment at Ben Wilson’s home, it seems likely bred with the intention of being used to inflict suffering, for his pleasure, in the same way.
“I’m very pleased that we will now be able to seek great new homes for these dogs where they will not be caused to suffer, or be forced to be the cause of suffering for other animals.”
It is strongly recommended that Ben Wilson is not left unsupervised with children; no further details are available at this time.
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