22/04/2026
🔴 Dog in Danger (RSPCA Appeal) 🔴 | , near , North Yorkshire DL8: Cane Corso 'disappears' after his owners are prosecuted for profound cruelty to dogs and cats.
An appeal has been launched to find a missing dog following a court case which saw his owners, former publicans James and Vicki McWilliams who are originally from Glasgow, banned from keeping animals for life.
The RSPCA is trying to locate the dog - a Cane Corso called Riot - after he was made subject to a deprivation order.
The order legally places the dog into RSPCA care so he can be safeguarded and rehomed, but Riot has not yet been found.
The appeal follows the sentencing of the McWilliams, who admitted neglecting five animals at their home in Park Lane, Middleham.
The property was described as unhygienic and unfit for habitation, with faeces and urine throughout, limited food and no proper bedding.
A Bichon Frise, named Cloud (pictured), was found confined to a crate in a severely matted and urine-soaked condition, while two kittens, Bluebell and Lavender, had thinning fur and skin issues linked to flea infestations.
A three-legged Maine C**n cat called Winter (pictured) had been removed from the address by a relative and was later found to be suffering from dehydration, hypothermia and untreated skin conditions consistent with neglect.
While those animals have since been treated and rehomed, Riot is unaccounted for.
The court heard he was initially removed from the property by a relative but was later taken back by James McWilliams without permission.
RSPCA Inspector Clare Wilson said the case highlighted serious welfare concerns and stressed the importance of locating the missing dog.
Anyone who has seen Riot or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 and leave a message for Inspector Wilson.
https://ukanimalcrueltyfiles.org/middleham-north-yorkshire-james-and-vicki-mcwilliams/
https://www.richmondshiretoday.co.uk/appeal-to-find-missing-dog-after-animal-neglect-case-in-middleham/
