Brief
Children's social worker convicted of animal cruelty over 84 dogs in South Yorkshire
David Parkes was convicted at Barnsley Magistrates' Court after inspectors found 84 dogs and two cats living in filth.
By Felo News Desk · Published
David Parkes, 61, a children's social worker, was convicted of animal cruelty after RSPCA inspectors discovered 84 dogs and two cats in appalling conditions at his Tickhill home near Doncaster. Officers who entered the property in April last year reported an "overpowering" stench and rooms "caked" in dirt, faeces and matted fur, forcing one officer to leave the scene to vomit.
Veterinary inspectors described the animals as "living in filth and squalor" and noted that many were underweight, with 14 severely emaciated. Injuries included infected cuts from attempts to cut away matted fur, a broken leg on one spaniel and another dog so badly damaged it had to be euthanised. The court heard that the unneutered dogs were allegedly left to "breed by themselves".
Parkes denied ownership, blaming his wife Delphine, 60, and son Sam, 28, who had previously pleaded guilty to three animal‑welfare charges in January. Magistrates rejected his defence and scheduled sentencing for 9 December. After rehabilitation by the RSPCA, 83 of the dogs and both cats have been placed in new homes.
Key facts
- David Parkes was convicted of animal cruelty at Barnsley Magistrates' Court. (independent.co.uk)
- Inspectors found 84 dogs and two cats living in filth at his Tickhill home. (independent.co.uk)
- Fourteen dogs were severely emaciated; one dog was euthanised due to severe injury. (independent.co.uk)
- Parkes' wife and son had previously pleaded guilty to animal‑welfare charges. (independent.co.uk)
- 83 dogs and both cats have been rehomed after RSPCA rehabilitation. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Social worker kept 84 dogs in house covered in dirt and faeces”
