Indefinite ban for Hackney man who left dogs in crates without food or water

Nipsy in crate. Photograph RSPCA

A Clapton man has received a lifetime ban on keeping animals after two dogs were found confined in small crates without food or water for days.

Matthew Berry of Lea View House, Jessam Avenue, E5 pleaded guilty at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 22 July 2025 to failing to meet the needs of two dogs in his care.

The 26-year-old was fined £80, ordered to pay a £32 victim surcharge and £150 in costs. He was also banned indefinitely from owning animals.

The case followed an investigation by the RSPCA after concerns were raised about dogs being left unattended at Berry’s flat.

Following reports that they had been alone for at least two days, RSPCA Inspector Shahnaz Ahmad visited the property on 26 November 2023.

The dogs could be heard barking and a high-pitched alarm was sounding inside the home, probably causing distress to the animals.

Accompanied by police officers, Inspector Ahmad entered the flat and found two dogs in dire conditions.

She said: “One dog – Nipsy – was in a crate in the hallway which was too small for his size, as he barely had any space to move around.

“Some of the bars of the cage were bent as if chewed, and I did observe Nipsy frantically chewing at the bars while whining.

“There was also a hole in the front of the crate – possibly made by the dog – which he was trying to stick his head through. There was no bedding, food or water available in the crate.”

Majesty in crate. Photograph: RSPCA

A second dog, a large brindle and white female crossbreed named Majesty was found in a similarly small crate in the living room.

Inspector Ahmad said “She was underweight with her ribs and pelvic bones prominent. She also had overgrown claws. There was no food or water available to her inside the crate. She appeared quiet and timid.”

No food was found anywhere in the flat. The dogs were removed and taken to a vet for examination.

The veterinary report concluded that both animals had suffered significantly:

“They endured abandonment in a wholly unsuitable environment—small restrictive cages—with complete starvation and dehydration for a minimum of 48 hours, but likely for up to 1.5 weeks or more,” the vet stated.

“Their suffering was preventable and occurred due to the owner’s failure to meet all five welfare needs.”

Majesty, a brindle and white crossbreed, has since recovered and found a new home through the RSPCA.

Sadly, Nipsy was found to be a banned breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Following legal protocols and a court order, he was humanely euthanised.

In mitigation, Berry’s legal representative stated that he suffers from mental health issues which had impacted his decision-making.