Oldham, Greater Manchester: Craig McKinley

CONVICTED (2017) | Craig John McKinley, born 4 March 1982, previously of Forest Street, Oldham, but as of January 2021 believed to be of Fletcher Close, Oldham OL9 6TF – caught on camera battering his dog

CCTV captured the shocking moment Craig McKinley brutally punched his dog in the face before viciously grabbing her in the middle of a busy street
CCTV captured the shocking moment Craig McKinley brutally punched his dog in the face before viciously grabbing her in the middle of a busy street

On 1 May 2017 footage of a man later identified as Craig McKinley battering his dog in the street was shared hundreds of thousands of times across social media.

McKinley is seen walking his dog, known as Narla, when she suddenly stops – prompting a violent outburst from her owner.

He is seen pulling the dog before stopping to crouch next to her.

Suddenly he lands a series of blows on the petrified pet’s face, before grabbing her and throwing her to the ground.

He continues to punch Narla in the sickening attack, which lasts for almost two minutes.

McKinley was arrested and went on to be prosecuted by the RSPCA. While the newspapers didn’t publish details of his conviction or sentencing, we understand he was given a 10-year ban on keeping animals. This will expire in mid to late 2027.

A screenshot of Craig McKinley's old FB account shows he has Narla as his profile and cover photos
A screenshot of Craig McKinley’s old now defunct FB account shows he had Narla as his profile and cover photos

Narla was taken into the care of the RSPCA and although there are rumours that the police had seized her under BSL (Breed Specific Legislation), we understand she was rehomed.

The Sun
Manchester Evening News

Dodleston, Chester: Graham Lane

CONVICTED (2017) | Graham Lane, born 01/10/1981, of Grasswood Road, Birkenhead, Wirral CH4 9NZ- neglected and starved a dog who was handed into the RSPCA as a stray

Graham Lane from Birkenhead, Wirral, Merseyside, starved and neglected his dog
In late 2017 Graham Lane, who now lives in Chester, was banned from keeping animals for ten years.

In September 2017 a young Staffy known as Badger was handed into the RSPCA’s Wirral branch in a terrible state.

Badger was skeletal and near collapse when he was handed into the RSPCA's Wirral branch
Badger was skeletal and near collapse when he was handed into the RSPCA’s Wirral branch

Weighing just 12.5kg, the dog was emaciated and near collapse from starvation. He had overgrown claws and painful pressure sores from being forced to lie on a hard surface with no bedding.

Badger was skeletal and near collapse when he was handed into the RSPCA's Wirral branch

An appeal went out to trace the skeletal dog’s owner and this led to local man Graham Lane being arrested and charged with animal cruelty. Lane was initially investigated for sexually abusing the dog but, as far as we can see, was never prosecuted for this.

Starved and neglected a dog: animal abuser Graham Lane from Birkenhead, Merseyside, UK

Although no details of the prosecution case were ever published in the newspapers we understand that Graham Lane was convicted and given a 10-year ban on keeping all animals. This will expire in late 2027.

Neglected dog Badger looking healthy and well after six weeks of care by  the RSPCA
Badger’s weight almost doubled after six weeks of care and dedication by the RSPCA. He soon found his forever home.

After six weeks of care by RSPCA staff and volunteers, Badger was given a clean bill of health and rehomed.

RSPCA Wirral Facebook post