Shane Waters’ crimes were exposed after a farmer discovered a number of the birds at his Accrington farm in England were injured and dead.

On September 19 2020, the farmer at Lower Holker Farm, Accrington, opened his chicken shed to discover a number of dead and injured birds.

Fearing “something sexual” had happened to them, he checked CCTV and called in the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

He was arrested on September 23 and told officers:

“I need help. I know what I have done. I just get these urges.”

Waters, 40, also admitted having sex with his own pet dog and has now been jailed for 30 months, according to Lancashire Live.

Burnley Crown Court heard Waters, a supermarket stock checker, has previous convictions for abusing horses in 1997 and 2016.

Judge Sara Dodd said the case was “as unusual as it is disturbing” as she handed down his sentence.

During his interview, Waters told police he had been on the farm on about nine previous occasions “but usually only had sex with one chicken”.

Barbara Webster, prosecuting, said:

“He did not like performing the act and said sorry to the chickens after.”

The court heard a total of 15 chickens died as a result of Waters’ abuse.

He also admitted having intercourse with his pet dog over a four month period, but said the dog “did not like it and growled and bit him”.

Anna Chestnut, defending, said Waters hoped to rebuild his life upon his release from prison.

She said:

“This is not the person he wants to be. He is thoroughly disgusted by his behaviour.”                              

Judge Dodd said:

“As I understand it, at least 15 chickens died as a result of your sordid sexual activity.

“Those who kept the chickens are understandably horrified and appalled by what you have done.

“I have no doubt anyone hearing the details of this case will be disgusted.

“Your conduct is distressing and truly worrying, particularly in light of your previous convictions.”

The judge made an indefinite criminal behaviour order banning waters from keeping animals, and made him subject to notification for life.