A woman and her partner were discovered mistreating dogs while their owners were away on vacation.
Paige Williams, 26, from Kenilworth Road, Knowle, Solihull, who is pregnant, and her partner Bradley Regan Archer, 27, have been sentenced following the release of disturbing videos showing them abusing dogs they were responsible for caring for.
In July and August 2024, Williams charged a family £1,400 to look after their three dogs, two cats, and two birds. Archer joined her at the family’s home in Balsall Common, where they subjected two German Shorthaired Pointers, Ayrton and Frieda, to mistreatment.
Upon the family’s return, they were horrified to witness footage from kitchen and garden cameras depicting the abuse. They provided 51 videos as evidence to the RSPCA, prompting an investigation.
The abusive acts captured on camera included shouting, swearing, dragging the dogs by their collars, and pushing them to the ground. Williams operated under the name Fur & Filly PetCare Services but was not paid by the owners due to the abuse being uncovered.
During a court appearance, Williams admitted to failing to meet the needs of the dogs, leading to a community order with unpaid work and costs. Archer, who initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea, also received a similar sentence.
Both individuals were prohibited from owning any animals for seven years. RSPCA Inspector Ben Jones conducted the investigation on behalf of the animal welfare charity.
A veterinarian who reviewed the footage noted signs of anxiety and stress in Ayrton and Frieda, emphasizing the negative impact on their well-being.
In their defense, it was mentioned that Ayrton was a lively and challenging dog, and Williams was dealing with hormonal changes due to pregnancy at the time of the incidents.
The family, who had previously trusted Williams with their pets without issue, expressed shock and disbelief upon discovering the mistreatment through camera footage.
RSPCA reported that the dogs, who displayed distress upon reuniting with their family, were now in a better state.
