A MAN from Coundon in County Durham has been subject to a community order and fined nearly £5,000 after causing unnecessary suffering to animals.

On March 19, 2021, Shaun Edwin Brownless was found to have neglected dogs and horses in his possession.

The 37-year-old pleaded guilty to the two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and attended Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (May 4).

A community order was made and Brownless must carry out 250 hours of unpaid work that will be supervised by an officer.

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The animals in his care have been taken off him, as well as their offspring. This includes;

  • A chocolate-coloured female bull breed
  • A white brindle male lurcher
  • A tan male lurcher
  • A black and white female lurcher
  • A black and tan female rottweiler
  • A litter of spaniel puppies
  • A tan male cocker spaniel
  • A female pregnant tan and white cocker spaniel,
  • A red female labrador
  • Horses

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The defendant’s guilty plea was taken into account when imposing the sentence.

Brownless must pay costs of £4800 to the Crown Prosecution Service and a surcharge to fund victim services of £95.

The total of 4895 must be paid in £200 instalments per month commencing May 31 2022.

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