Horror Van: Dogs Found Living in Filthy Excrement-Filled Vehicle
Eight dogs were found trapped in a bog-standard van, packed with piles of faeces and leftover food, outside a home in Gringley-on-the-Hill, Bassetlaw. The Rileys – Bryan, 74, and Georgina, 70 – owned the vehicle and the neglected pooches inside.
RSPCA and Police Step In After Sickening Discovery
Officers first visited the property in November 2021, spotting worrying conditions. With no improvements made after a clean-up order, police and RSPCA inspectors returned and opened the van doors to a grim scene: dogs standing in knee-high muck and filth, desperate for care.
- Lola, a 4-year-old French Bulldog, suffered a severe eye infection, badly enough to lose her eyeball.
- Hugo, another French Bulldog, had scabby thinning fur and a weeping sore on his leg.
- Iggy, a Dachshund, battled extensive hair loss and scabs.
- Liberty, a French Bulldog, sported open sores on her face and a collar so tight her neck was raw.
- Mother and daughter poodles Angel and Coco were stuck with filthy, matted coats.
- Dachshund Lady showed patchy bald spots.
- Rosie, a poodle, was coated in faeces and urine, suffering sores near her eyes and elbow.
Fur Flawed: Court Action and Punishment for Rileys
Both Bryan and Georgina pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of their eight dogs. Bryan was charged with causing unnecessary suffering, including neglecting veterinary care for Lola and three dogs with skin diseases.
Judge handed down a £1,000 fine each and £909 court costs. More damningly, both were banned from owning any animal for eight years – no appeals allowed for the first four. All dogs have since been rehomed and are reportedly doing well.
Police and RSPCA Issue Stark Warning to Pet Owners
The conditions we found these dogs in were despicable,” said PC James Pickersgill of Nottinghamshire Police. “Opening the van doors revealed a floor piled high with excrement, food and debris. It was heartbreaking to see animals kept this way.”
“None were in good health. We took the dogs to the police station, where vets gave each a full check-up and treatment was arranged.”
“This case should serve as a warning to all pet owners. We will work with the RSPCA to bring neglectful owners to justice.”
“Pets are family members, and we’ll never tolerate mistreatment. If anyone suspects an animal is neglected, contact us immediately.”
This grim case shines a light on the dark side of pet ownership. Thanks to the swift action of police and the RSPCA, these poor dogs finally got the lifeline they desperately needed.
