A family from Solihull has spoken out after discovering that the dogsitter they hired to care for their pets during a holiday in Thailand subjected their dogs to horrific abuse, captured on their home CCTV cameras.
The Horlors' Ordeal
Natalie Horlor, a headteacher, and her husband Duncan paid Paige Williams, 25, of Fur & Filly PetCare Services, £1,400 to look after their two German Shorthaired Pointers, another dog, two cats, and two birds of prey while they vacationed in Thailand in August 2024. The couple had used Williams' services multiple times before without issue.
Upon returning home, they noticed their dogs were "subdued, anxious and visibly distressed." Reviewing footage from their doggy cam, they were horrified to see Williams and her partner, Bradley Archer, kicking the dogs, dragging them by their collars, and screaming at them. The abuse was primarily directed at the two pointers, 13-month-old Ayrton and three-year-old Freida.
Details of the Abuse
The Horlors contacted the RSPCA and police, submitting 51 video clips. RSPCA Inspector Ben Jones described the abuse: Ayrton was locked in a crate, tethered to a tree with water out of reach, chased with a stick, and yanked around with a slip lead. Archer even whipped at the dog with the lead when it jumped up.
In one clip, Williams is heard saying to the camera, "I will never look after your dogs again, my animals have suffered this month."
Impact on the Family and Pets
The experience has left the Horlors unable to go away or leave their pets with a sitter. Mrs. Horlor said, "Since this happened we haven't felt comfortable going away and leaving the animals with another pet sitter. We've cancelled holidays and juggled plans so that one of us is always at home." Mr. Horlor added, "The betrayal we feel is incredibly deep. Our dogs now show lasting behavioural changes, including fear of strangers and loud noises."
Legal Outcome
Williams and Archer pleaded guilty to offences under the Animal Welfare Act. Williams received a 12-month community order with 140 hours of unpaid work, £350 costs, and a £114 victim surcharge. Archer received a 12-month community order with 40 hours of unpaid work, £750 costs, and a £114 surcharge. Both were disqualified from keeping animals for seven years; Williams cannot be responsible for animal care during that time.
