David Parkes, a children's social worker, has been found guilty of failing to ensure the welfare of 84 dogs that were kept in poor conditions at his family home in Tickhill. The 61-year-old was convicted after a two-day trial at Barnsley Magistrates' Court, though he denied the animal welfare charges, claiming that his wife Delphine and son Sam were primarily responsible for the care of the dogs due to his demanding job.
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Delphine Parkes, 60, and Sam Parkes, 28, had previously pleaded guilty to the same offences earlier in the year. All three family members are scheduled to be sentenced on December 9.
In April 2022, the RSPCA discovered 80 Springer Spaniel-type dogs, two adult and two puppy Patterdale Terriers, and two cats at Galley Hill Farm Cottage. The situation came to light after a public report indicated that a dog had injured itself while attempting to escape over a garden wall. Parkes mentioned that the dogs were left to breed on their own.
Delphine Parkes, who is registered disabled, admitted to an inspector that the situation had spiraled out of control since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sam Parkes, who is autistic, used the dogs as therapy animals, according to David Parkes.
The court heard that Parkes claimed to work up to 80 hours per week, dealing with children in crisis situations, which left him unable to assist in the care of the dogs. He cited a particularly traumatic case involving a baby's death as part of his workload.
Despite his claims, the prosecution stated that the home was heavily contaminated with animal waste, and five of the dogs were critically underweight. The RSPCA reported that the family was overwhelmed and unable to manage the number of pets in their care. Evidence from veterinary records identified Parkes as the owner of all the pets registered at the family address.
Magistrates indicated that all sentencing options, including custody, would be considered, highlighting the serious nature of the neglect. An RSPCA spokesperson confirmed that while one dog had to be euthanized due to health issues, all other animals were successfully rehomed.