Paige Williams and Bradley Regan Archer were caught on camera abusing dogs they were paid to petsit. The abuse involved two German Shorthaired Pointers named Ayrton, aged 13 months, and Frieda, aged 3 years. It occurred in July and August 2024 at the owners' home in Balsall Common, Solihull.
A veterinarian stated in a witness statement that the dogs showed signs of anxiety and stress from the abuse. Paige Williams operated a commercial petsitting service called Fur & Filly PetCare Services. She was charging £1,400 to look after the animals, but the family did not pay after discovering the abuse.
The family had used Williams's petsitting services several times before with no concerns, having been introduced by a friend. Williams pleaded guilty to one offence of failing to meet the needs of two dogs under section nine of the Animal Welfare Act. Bradley Regan Archer initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea on the day of his trial.
The couple appeared at Coventry Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. RSPCA Inspector Ben Jones investigated the case on behalf of the animal welfare charity. The abuse did not involve a third dog, two cats, or two birds of prey also under their care.
In mitigation, the court heard that Ayrton was a lively, young dog who could be challenging to deal with. The court also heard that Williams was in the early stages of pregnancy at the time and was struggling with hormonal changes. Implications of the case raise unanswered questions, including the specific sentence or penalty imposed on Williams and Archer, the current condition and whereabouts of Ayrton and Frieda, and whether there have been other complaints involving Fur & Filly PetCare Services.
It remains unclear what exact nature Archer's changed plea entailed, such as guilt to a lesser charge, and if the owners pursued civil action or compensation beyond not paying the invoice.