Scunthorpe Man Jailed for Cockfighting and Animal Cruelty Offences

Title: Scunthorpe Man Imprisoned for Animal Cruelty and Cockfighting Crimes

A resident of Scunthorpe has been given a prison sentence after pleading guilty to offences related to cockfighting and causing unnecessary suffering to animals. Julian Buxton, 60, living in Queens Crescent, Keadby, confessed to 14 offending activities connected to animals, including 10 specifically involving animal welfare. On 5 January, Buxton was given a sentence of 20 months imprisonment by Sheffield Crown Court, along with an injunction against keeping animals for the next 15 years.

According to the RSPCA’s Will Mitchell, this case underlines the continued occurrence of cockfighting, even though it was outlawed nearly two centuries ago. Buxton’s charges also comprised of keeping a location for animal fights, training animals to fight, and attempts to instigate fights between animals. He has been directed to pay a victim surcharge of £156, and all the animals under his possession are slated for rehoming.

In a joint operation by the RSPCA and Humberside Police that took place in September 2023, 361 animals of various kinds including dogs, cats, rabbits, pigeons, and chickens, were discovered and subsequently rescued. Describing the environment as dangerous and littered with trash and refuse, an RSPCA inspector provided graphic details about Buxton’s setup.

During the court proceeding, it was mentioned that Buxton was dealing with a bereavement when the offences were committed. Mitchell of the RSPCA stressed the importance of locating secure and loving homes for the animals saved, many of which included puppies and rabbits born post-rescue.

This article incorporates details provided originally by www.bbc.com, and has been for adapted for The Lincoln Post readers.