LEWIS RICHARD WRAY sentenced for using his dogs to hunt and kill wild animals and failing to obtain veterinary treatment for their injuries
- England, United Kingdom -
The South Yorkshire Police report that 38-year-old LEWIS RICHARD WRAY (pictured) was sentenced to three years in prison after using his dogs “to hunt and kill wild animals” and failing to obtain veterinary treatment for their injuries.
According to the police press release, the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) launched an investigation after receiving information from the Naturewatch Foundation, which had discovered social media videos showing WRAY’s dogs hunting.
The RSPCA subsequently worked alongside South Yorkshire Police’s Motorcycle and Rural Crime Team to execute a search warrant at WRAY’s home on Runnymede Road in Intake in December 2024.
During the search, officers found four dogs: three Patterdale terriers named Peanut, Pip, and Sky, and a Lurcher named Ruby.
According to the press release, all four dogs had old scars from deep, untreated wounds.
A veterinary examination revealed that Peanut had old scarring around her face and ears, including deep scars around her nose. Pip had multiple scars around her muzzle and ears, very deep scars beneath her chin, and patches of missing fur. Sky had a scar beside her eye and scars on her nose. Peanut, Pip, and Sky also had docked tails.
Police said that while officers were inside WRAY’s property, he denied having a phone or using social media.
Officers then called WRAY’s phone. When they heard it ringing upstairs, they immediately seized the device.
Evidence recovered from the phone revealed to RSPCA investigators that WRAY frequently met and hunted with a friend, 30-year-old JAKE DOMINIK MCLAY, of Lime Tree Avenue in Armthorpe.
In May 2025, South Yorkshire Police officers again assisted the RSPCA in executing a search warrant, this time at MCLAY’s property. Authorities found three dogs: a Lurcher named Reggie and two terriers named Rosie and Max.
According to the press release, the dogs “had deep scars caused by hunting animals” and were removed from the property.
A veterinarian who examined Reggie found multiple healed scars on his face, muzzle, forehead, legs, chest, and hocks.
On October 12, 2026, WRAY was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court to three years in prison and banned from keeping all animals for life. According to the available reporting, the offenses included causing unnecessary suffering to dogs, tail docking, and hunting badgers.
As for MCLAY, The Yorkshire Post reported that he was sentenced on October 12, 2026, to nine months in prison, suspended for 12 months, for offenses including causing unnecessary suffering to dogs and hunting badgers. He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and banned from keeping all animals for 12 years.
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is based on the press release issued by South York Police. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.
Mugshot shared from the South York Police Department.
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