SICK COCKFIGHTING IN CHESHIRE

A farmer in Wansford, Cheshire has been banned from keeping animals for life after the RSPCA found 120 cockerels on his smallholding with evidence that they were being kept for cockfighting. Also found were metal spurs and animal fight DVDs.

Raymond Weedall, 62, was found guilty of ten counts of animal mistreatment and received a series of suspended jail sentences, a six month curfew and 150 hours community service.

MORE DAMAGE TO CRUFT’S NAME

Following a prosecution by the RSPCA a dog trainer who won dozens of honours from Crufts was banned from keeping animals for life after a raid by the charity revealed hundreds of animals in “unbelievable” squalor at her kennels.

Rachel Mortimore, 47, also received 140 hours of community service and was a member of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers.