#MostEvil | Luke Proffitt, born c. 2000, of no fixed abode – stabbed his pet German shepherd 12 times during a “mental health crisis”, causing fatal injuries.
Proffitt caused a number of wounds to the dog, named Bella, who was found injured and bleeding by a member of the public on Hendon Beach in Sunderland.
The court heard that despite by vets to save the dog, she later passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw said that a worker from the Happier Days For Strays charity received a call notifying them the dog was on Hendon Beach on December 16, 2021.
He told the court that the dog was found to be a healthy weight but had blood coming from her body.
Mr Wardlaw said: “She attended and saw a female dog covered in blood and unable to walk due to the injuries sustained.
“The dog was given pain relief. The intention being the dog would be anaesthetised the following morning and treated.
“There were two 2cm wounds to the left chest resulting in penetrative chest injury.”
The court heard that Bella also suffered multiple wounds to her neck and a further two puncture wounds to her body.
However, despite CPR being administrated, she passed away after going into heart failure whilst under the anaesthetic.
Mr Wardlaw added: “It’s clear that due to the extent of her injuries it was a sustained and prolonged assault and caused suffering which ultimately led to her death.
“At the time it was not known who the dog belonged to. On the 16th of December the defendant had contacted his mental health worker stating he had stabbed his dog.”
After he was arrested by police, Proffit provided no comment in interview but did tell officers “It’s not illegal to kill your dog.”
Proffitt later admitted causing unnecessary suffering to animal. He has 25 previous convictions.
He also committed the offence whilst under the supervision of an unrelated suspended prison sentence.
Judge Edward Bindloss sentenced Proffitt to 18 months behind bars.
The judge said: “She was an adult female three to six years. Up until the day of you injured her she was in good condition.
“You were somebody who had been suffering from emotional and unstable personality disorder and that was exasperated by substance abuse.
“You took Bella outside with a knife and you stabbed her 12 times in a prolonged and sustained attack and went back to your flat.
“I have taken the view it would not be appropriate to suspend the sentence.”
Wildlife Enforcement Officer PC Peter Baker, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an absolutely horrendous case and I welcome the custodial sentence handed down to Proffit.
“It is without question that the dog was subjected to sustained violence and she was found by members of the public with appalling injuries to her body and neck on Hendon beach.
“Proffitt is one of the first offenders in our Force to be jailed since tougher sentencing guidelines were introduced in courts across the UK last summer for the most heinous animal cruelty crimes.
“We are a nation of animal lovers, and it is always disappointing and upsetting when crimes like this happen. I hope this case sends out a strong message – anyone who hurts or abuses animals will be brought to justice.
“We will continue to work with our fantastic colleagues and partners, including the RSPCA, to educate everyone – including young people in schools across the North East – of the importance of looking after animals.”
Sentencing | jailed for 18 months and banned from owning animals for 18 years.
