Andrew Claridge-Fleming, from New Milton in Hampshire, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to animals after the dogs were found dead in the back of his vehicle on 3 August 2023.
The court heard Claridge-Fleming had taken the dogs, two of his own and two belonging to clients, out for early morning training.
Three dogs died
He returned to his farm at 9 am, leaving the animals crated in the car with water and the boot open.
But he was then unexpectedly called away to drive his wife and children to a relative’s house, returning home at 4 pm to find the boot closed and three of the dogs dead. A fourth survived but required urgent veterinary care.
Potential prison sentence
The court heard Claridge-Fleming was “distraught” and tried to revive the surviving dog. He accepted he had left the animals unattended for too long.
The case was adjourned for sentencing in August. He could face up to five years in prison.
RIP Milo, Bodger and Rocky.
