Unpredictable and abusive
A man was witnessed kicking his dog, Max, violently enough to fracture the
cocker spaniel's leg as he tried to catch his breath after swimming in a river.
A shocking story of neglect and assault
Witnesses had seen that Max had taken
a while to reach the edge of the water,
seeming tired after his swim. They then
saw Max's owner dragging him along then
kicking him brutally. Max was heard squealing
in pain. Several of the witnesses tried to
confront the defendant about his behaviour,
but he was verbally abusive, shoved one of
them, and drove off.
The police were called, who caught up
with the defendant. They took Max to a
local vet, who was able to confirm that he
had a leg fracture consistent with receiving
blunt trauma, such as a kick. Max was also
underweight, had a flea infestation and was
suffering from cancer.
The defendant's demeanour was extremely
unpredictable throughout. He was verbally
and physically abusive towards RSPCA
Inspector Gemma Cooper, on one occasion
A breeder of German shepherds,
who kept 15 dogs in appalling
conditions, went on to commit
a repulsive assault on the RSPCA
inspector who had tried to help her.
RSPCA Inspector Louise Labram had found
the dogs, of varying ages, being kept in
undersized kennels, some of which were
filthy; without water, ventilation, bedding or
natural light. Four young dogs were found
crammed inside a child's Wendy house,
clearly unsocialised and untrained.
The woman had failed to maintain healthy
coats of 14 of the dogs and had failed
to groom them regularly. Four dogs had
contracted a respiratory infection and one,
called Kakarot, was found collapsed with
ulcers on his lips and ulcerated pressure sores
on his left hip.
All the dogs were removed, however
the RSPCA agreed to allow the woman
supervised visits so that she could see one of
her dogs, called Bud, and take him for a walk.
During the second visit, while outside walking
Bud, the woman became very argumentative
and aggressive. She picked up some of Bud's
faeces and threw it at Inspector Labram's face.
She then clawed at her, yanked at her hair
and kicked her in the stomach. She had let
Investigating officer:
RSPCA Inspector Louise Labram
Defendant:
Female 47, unemployed
Offences:
Animal Welfare Act 2006 s4 and s9
Pleas: Guilty
Total convictions: Five
Sentence: Disqualified from keeping
animals for life; 26 weeks' imprisonment
suspended for two years; two-year
supervision order with 20-day
requirement to attend the Springboard
Programme; £1,500 costs.
Prosecuted by:
Nicholas Sutton Solicitors
Investigating officer:
RSPCA Inspector Gemma Cooper
Defendant:
Male 81, retired
Offence:
Animal Welfare Act 2006 s4
Plea:
Guilty
Total convictions:
One
Sentence:
Disqualified from keeping animals for
five years; one-year supervision order;
one-month curfew order; £3,000 costs.
Prosecuted by:
Wilson Devonald Solicitors
Bud off the lead, so Inspector Labram had to
try to keep hold of his collar as well as trying
to protect herself. When the woman finally
let go, she sat down on the grass, smiling and
fussing over Bud, leaving Inspector Labram
shocked, with cuts and scratches on her neck
and jaw, an injured scalp and faeces smeared
in her hair. The incident was reported to
the police, the woman was subsequently
convicted of assault and ordered to pay £200
compensation to Inspector Labram.
Speaking after the animal welfare
prosecution Inspector Labram said: "The
conditions these dogs were kept in were
appalling. It took us a very long time to
groom and unmat their coats as they were
covered in urine and faeces. I had tried to
help the defendant in the past, but she
never made any improvements to the
conditions these poor dogs were kept in.
"The assault was horrible. As inspectors we
are only trying to do what is best for the
animals. It is not something we expect to
happen, but sadly it seems to be happening
more frequently."
Four of the German shepherds have been
rehomed, but one had to be euthanased
upon veterinary advice.
RSPCA Inspector Louise Labram showed
outstanding professionalism throughout.
grabbing her around the waist when she tried
to leave his home. Due to his age, he was
given the chance to receive a caution by the
RSPCA if he admitted his guilt and showed
genuine remorse, however he continued to
deny kicking Max, claiming that he had only
'nudged' him.
Unfortunately, he continued to be verbally
and physically abusive even whilst at court.
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