The RSPCA is urging dogs in Huddersfield to walk around in pairs after a spate of worrying reports stemming from the West Yorkshire town. The world-famous animal charity revealed that unsavoury incidents involving canines in Huddersfield have increased 49% since May 2024, coinciding with Huddersfield Town‘s relegation from the Championship to League One.

Huddersfield Town is affectionately known as “The Terriers” by its webbed-fingered fanbase, but it is also known as the “Dog Botherers” by anyone outside the town’s borders. Reports of dogs being bothered have risen sharply, putting them on par with other animal-related incidents involving those lot from over the Pennines.

“Animal safety and well-being is our number one priority,” an RSPCA spokesperson said. “Our furry and feathered friends should be allowed to go about their business without worrying some blue and white-striped shirt-wearing Neanderthal will interfere with them. It’s disgusting behaviour.”

Harsher Sentences Needed

Under the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021, those found guilty of animal cruelty face up to five years of accommodation at His Majesty’s pleasure. Bizarrely, the act of bestiality only carries a two-year maximum prison term.

Between 2007 and 2016, a total of 27 people were convicted of the offence of having sexual intercourse with an animal contrary to sections 69(1) & (3) and 69(2) and (3) of the Sexual Offenses Act 2003. Two of those occurred in Wales, with the other 25 taking place in court in England.

The Freedom of Information request that the Yorkshire Tribune saw neglected to state where in England those offences happened. However, at the risk of putting two and two together and getting five, we know where we would put our money.

The RSPCA called upon the government to change the sentencing guidelines for offences against animals.

“People can neglect an animal in various ways and risk spending five years behind bars, yet can have their wicked way with a defenceless hound and be out of the clink in two years or less. What kind of message does that send out to the poor dogs of Huddersfield? Something needs to change, or we risk this issue becoming an endemic.”

No Dogs Are 100% Safe

Huddersfield is awash with dog-friendly parks, making it a must-visit town for canine owners. Popular haunts include Scammonden Reservoir (famous for dog walks and dogging), Norland Moor, Greenhead Park, and Hardcastle Crags.

Unfortunately, unscrupulous people lurk around these areas, often targeting out-of-town dogs who may not be familiar with their surroundings. Throw into the mix the fact that Huddersfield folk are openly taunting the authorities by advertising “dog grooming” on the internet, and it is clear no tail-wagger is safe from these people.

Our reporter bumped into a Bolton Council fire inspector during a visit to Scammonden Reservoir. He wished to remain anonymous but was happy to answer a few questions about his extra-curricular activities.

When quizzed about his misplaced love for dogs and asked how low he could go, the Bolton man replied, “I’ve managed a Yorkshire Terrier but nothing smaller.”

Watch Out For These Signs

The RSPCA gave the Yorkshire Tribune some telltale signs that something untoward could be happening with your faithful friend.

• Does your dog seem withdrawn and not want to play with its four-legged friends?
• Have you found your dog sitting on a rubber ring after a trip to Huddersfield?
• Is the dog scared of blue and white striped shirts?
• Would your dog rather go to Manchester than Huddersfield?

Should you have concerns for your or someone else’s fido’s safety, do not hesitate to contact the RSPCA. You can use the code phrase “three in a row in the 1920s” to be passed on to an RSPCA volunteer who specialises in Huddersfield folk.