Lewis Richard Wray, 38, of Runnymede Road, has been sentenced to three years in prison after getting his dogs to hunt animals and failing to get them treatment for their injuries.

An investigation was launched by the RSPCA after social media videos were seen circulating of Mr Wray’s dogs hunting. A warrant was executed at his home in December 2024.

Mr Wray had four dogs at his property – a lurcher called Ruby and three patterdale terriers called Peanut, Pip and Sky. The dogs were found to have historic scarring from untreated wounds.

Officers asissted RSPCA wtith another warrant of his property in May 2025, and found three other dogs – another lurcher called Reggie and two terriers called Rosie and Max. The dogs were seized, and also had deep scarring from hunting animals.

Despite denying having a phone or social media, Police seized Mr Wrays phone at the scene. Evidence showed proof of his animal abuse, and proof that he was often hunting alongside friend Jake Dominik McLay, 30, of Lime Tree Avenue, Armthorpe.

Mr Wray was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on 12 October, alongside a ban on keeping all animals for life.

Sergeant of the motorcycle and rural crime team, James Shirley said: “People using dogs to hunt and kill wildlife is illegal, cruel, and unacceptable.

“The fact that neither Wray or McLay sought treatment for their dogs when they must have been suffering in pain shows a distinct lack of care and empathy. Both would have known that in taking their dogs to a vets, the vet would have known how they obtained the injuries and raised the alarm.

“We are committed to working with partners to ensure anyone who purposefully harms animals or wildlife is put before the courts.”