A ‘DOG lover’ who bred and kept greyhounds on the Wirral to race at unregulated so-called “flapping” tracks appeared in court this week on allegations under the Animal Welfare Act.

Ian Street faced District Judge Michael Abelson at Wirral Magistrates Court in Merseyside and pleaded guilty to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to greyhounds and nine matters of failing to take such steps to ensure a suitable environment and suitable protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease to greyhounds Aim, Moss, Citizen, Pixie, Stream, Daniel, Sal, Tex and Star before April last year.

He was given a suspended prison sentence and was banned from keeping any animals - except pigeons - for life.

Prosecutor Ken Abrams told how a complaint was received concerning the welfare of dogs being kept at Street’s rented farm. He alleged a visit in June 2008 revealed sixteen greyhounds being kept in cages in a brick building were in a bad condition. A re-visit followed in January last year after another complaint.

Ten greyhound pups and a male and female dog were present and their condition was again poor. Street was given time to make improvements but conditions did not improve.

Refused

Eventually Street who admitted to breeding dogs and racing them at flapping tracks not governed or monitored by the Greyhound Association signed over ten dogs but refused to sign over another nineteen.

They were taken away under the Welfare Act and were in poor condition and not cared for. They had since been re-homed, said Mr Abrams.

Matt Reynolds, defending, said Street who was an animal lover did his best to care for the dogs but conceded the kennels were not in the condition they should have been due to lack of finance and time. It had always been his intention to give the dogs the best possible treatment and homes.

He held his hands up regarding the suffering. He took his eye off the ball, said Mr Reynolds who added Street was no longer interested in breeding or looking after greyhounds.

Judge Abelson said it seemed Street clearly had difficulties and simply could not cope. ‘No one likes people who ill treat animals. We are nation of dog lovers,’ he told Street.

He said his previous exemplary character and guilty pleas had saved him from an immediate prison sentence but a clear message had to be sent out of severe sentencing for mis-treatment of animals. A total of four months imprisonment was suspended for twelve months. The judge also made a twelve months supervision order. He limited costs to be paid by Street to £1,000 instead of the £3,639 claimed by the prosecution.

Imposing the life ban from keeping, owning or being involved
with animals except pigeons the judge advised Street that dogs being kept at his home address be moved elsewhere.

Flapping tracks are unregulated. There are about eight left in the country and plans are in hand for them to cease operations.

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