The British zoologist Adam Britton had pleaded guilty to dozens of bestiality and animal cruelty charges as well as the possession of child abuse material. (Warning: This article contains graphic details.)
A British crocodile expert, once a respected figure in zoology, has been sentenced to over 10 years in prison in Australia after confessing to the sexual abuse, torture, and killing of dozens of dogs. Adam Britton, 53, who had previously worked with prominent organizations like the BBC and National Geographic, admitted to numerous charges of bestiality, severe animal cruelty, and possession of child abuse materials.
The Northern Territory Supreme Court in Australia learned that Britton had filmed and shared videos online under pseudonyms, showcasing his acts of torturing dogs to death. Between November 2020 and April 2022, Britton acquired 42 dogs of various breeds and ages, subjecting them to horrific abuse for his own perverse gratification, according to court records. At least 39 of these dogs were deliberately killed.
Chief Justice Michael Grant, during earlier court proceedings, cautioned that the gruesome details of Britton’s crimes were so shocking they could induce severe emotional distress. The pleasure Britton derived from torturing the animals was disturbingly apparent, as noted by Justice Grant.
In a letter read by his lawyer in court, Britton expressed deep regret for the pain he caused the animals, taking full responsibility for his actions. He revealed that he had been struggling with a rare and harmful sexual disorder for much of his life, which he claimed had prevented him from seeking the help he needed due to feelings of shame and fear. Britton stated that he now plans to seek long-term treatment.
Britton, who moved from Britain to Australia about 20 years ago to work with crocodiles, had built a reputation as a leading zoologist, even appearing alongside David Attenborough in a BBC documentary. However, court documents revealed that Britton had been sexually abusing his own dogs, Ursa and Bolt, for years and later began seeking out other dogs online.
He targeted people looking to re-home their pets, gaining their trust and convincing them that he would care for their animals. Instead, Britton kept the dogs in a shipping container on his property, which he referred to as his “torture room,” filled with recording equipment. He deceived the former owners by sending them old photos of the dogs, even after they had been killed.
Britton’s crimes went unnoticed until April 2022, when an anonymous tip led police to his home near Darwin. A search warrant revealed a collection of disturbing items, including sex toys, dog-related paraphernalia, cameras, weapons, and the remains of dogs. Britton has been held in custody since the search, with his sentence of 10 years and 5 months in prison taking into account time already served. He will be eligible for parole in 2028 and is permanently banned from owning any mammals.
Animal rights groups have condemned the sentence as too lenient, calling for harsher penalties for animal cruelty.
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