Sudbury: Justin Dyer jailed for animal cruelty and machete offence

Suffolk police's Rural Policing Team, the RSPCA and a vet searched a property in Talbot Road in the town on February 10 this year.

The American Bulldog cross breeds and Shar Pei dogs – which included two puppies – were seized from the home as their basic animal welfare needs were not being met.

Justin Dyer, of Talbot Road, Sudbury, was arrested and charged with seven animal welfare act offences relating to neglect and cruelty and one offence of breeding and selling dogs without a licence.

Dyer was convicted of the offences in his absence in a hearing at Suffolk Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, October 26.

He was arrested on warrant in London last Friday night and appeared before the same court the following day for sentencing.

Dyer was sentenced to 26 weeks in jail for the offences related to the dogs, as well as a six-month term for breaching a suspended sentence for possession of a machete following an offence in 2021.

The two sentences will run consecutively, equating to a year in custody.

Dyer was also given a 15-year ban on owning, keeping, or having anything to do with looking after animals and ordered to pay about £6,200 in costs and compensation.

Sgt Brian Calver, of Suffolk police’s Rural and Wildlife Crime team, said: "This was a particularly unpleasant case, where a number of dogs were kept in the most appalling conditions, purely for selfish financial gain, with no consideration for their welfare.

"Dyer has shown no remorse and I hope he reflects upon the harm he’s caused whilst he serves his term of imprisonment.

"I sincerely hope this sends a strong message to others that think it’s acceptable to profit from dogs with no consideration for their welfare, or those that fail to look after their pets properly."