Two members of the same family were given suspended sentences last week for a string of animal welfare offences connected with running a puppy farm and cock fighting.
John and William Cook, both of Longfield Avenue, Longfield, near Dartford, appeared at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court in January for a four-day trial.
They both faced a number of offences under the Animal Welfare Act. John was accused of causing unnecessary suffering to dogs for failing to provide them with veterinary care and keeping them in unsuitable conditions, and William faced a number of charges related to keeping cockerels to fight.
John pleaded guilty to a number of offences and William was convicted of offences under the Animal Welfare Act. The pair were sentenced at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (February 25).
John Cook was sentenced to 90 days in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 160 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £1,000 in costs, a victim surcharge of £115 and disqualified from keeping dogs for three years.
William Cook was given a 120-day prison term, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £1,000 in costs, a £115 victim surcharge and disqualified from keeping all animals for three years.
John Cook also entered a guilty plea to a fraud offence in April 2019 and was sentenced to a 12-month prison term, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation and £1,000 in costs. William Cook entered a not guilty plea and the case was dropped against him.
