In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Alex Wilson, then 32, currently of Otterbourne, Winchester, was sentenced for the abandonment and starvation of four Presa Canario dogs. Wilson appeared for sentencing following the discovery of the skeletal remains of the animals at his former home in Millbrook, Southampton.
The investigation by the RSPCA began after the bodies of the dogs—named Bully, Cleo, Narla, and Bonnie—were found at an address in Wimpson Lane.
- Bonnie: Found as skeletal remains inside a crate in a conservatory, partially concealed by a dog bed and a black bin bag. No water or food bowls were present.
- Bully: Discovered as skeletal remains within a makeshift enclosure layered with wood shavings but lacking bowls.
- Narla and Cleo: Found deceased together in an enclosure containing a single empty bowl and excessive faeces. The enclosure walls had been chewed, and rat burrows were observed within the space.
Breeding Background and Neglect
The court reported that Wilson had engaged in “backyard breeding,” resulting in a litter of 14 puppies, followed by a second litter of 10. During the lockdown period, Wilson found himself unable to re-home the dogs or cope with the number,s but failed to seek help.
A veterinary expert refuted Wilson’s claims that the dogs had only been “off their food” for two days. The vet emphasised that the skeletal state of the remains was inconsistent with a short-term illness and concluded the animals did not have access to drinking water at the time of their deaths. The presence of damaged enclosure walls suggested the dogs had desperately attempted to escape or find sustenance.
Sentence and Financial Penalties
For his “dreadful” failure to meet the basic needs of his animals in Hampshire, Alex Wilson was handed the following:
- Custodial Sentence: 16 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
- Unpaid Work: 300 hours to be completed within 12 months.
- Animal Ban: A lifetime ban on keeping animals (suspended for 28 days to allow for the rehoming of three surviving dogs).
- Financial Penalties: A victim surcharge of £128. Prosecution costs of £17,570.08 were ordered to be paid from central funds.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Wilson is now subject to a lifetime disqualification order under the Animal Welfare Act. RSPCA inspector Patrick Bailey emphasised that owning an animal is a “privilege” and a responsibility that Wilson fundamentally failed to meet.
The RSPCA and local authorities state they will monitor Wilson’s compliance with the lifetime ban. Any attempt to keep or breed animals in the future will result in a breach of his suspended sentence and his immediate return to court for the activation of the 16-week prison term.
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