CONVICTED (2021) | Kierien Lee Harrison, born 25 December 1991, of Park View, West Street, Winshill, Burton-on-Trent DE15 0FD – threw his pet chihuahua downstairs and stamped on her back causing a “catalogue of injuries”.
Kierien Lee Harrison, who has a history of violence, inflicted so much pain onto his dog Misty that her injuries were consistent with that of car crash victim, a vet said.
The 29-year-old admitted an animal welfare offence of causing unnecessary suffering to the dog when he appeared before magistrates.
The court heard how the RSPCA was called to investigate the dog’s injuries by Staffordshire Police who had arrested Harrison for other matters on May 9, 2019.
When he was arrested a witness told police that Harrison had thrown his pet chihuahua down the stairs of his home and stamped on her back, although Harrison denied this.
RSPCA inspector Kate Levesley took Misty to a nearby vets for examination and it was found that she had suffered a catalogue of injuries.
Misty was found with severe injuries to the pelvis, making it difficult for her to urinate and defecate. She had a fractured tooth, missing teeth, and a mark/trauma to the right hand side of her body.
The vet was informed by another vet that Misty had sustained a pelvic injury approximately a month before. Harrison had told the vet at the time that Misty had fallen from a bed and had become lame.
X-rays showed that the her injuries had become worse.
Misty was given medication and had to have cage rest for two months before going to a foster home to recuperate.
The vet report stated: “It is clear from a clinical examination and x-rays that Misty has been subjected to repeated injuries. She has had at least two separate injuries to her teeth as well as two clearly separate injuries to her pelvis.
“These injuries require considerable force and are typically seen following high falls or road traffic accidents. Certainly I do not believe the initial injury in April could have been sustained from a fall off a bed or sofa.
“Unfortunately it is entirely possible the injuries were as a result of physical trauma from a person. She has been left with permanent damage to her teeth and pelvis though, and the latter is likely to cause severe arthritis later in life.
“As a result I suspect she will need lifelong medication and treatment.”
The RSPCA has now rehomed Misty and she is enjoying life with her new owners, said a spokesman.
Inspector Levesley said: “Misty’s injuries were horrific and she was understandably nervous around people and scared.
“But she has made great progress and is coping with her damaged pelvis remarkably well. I am happy to see that she has been rehomed and is enjoying life now – she is certainly getting lots of attention and love.”
In mitigation the court heard Harrison suffered from autism.
In passing sentence the magistrate said: “This is a shocking case. I have no doubt about the suffering caused and have found it difficult to step back from immediate custody.”
Sentencing: 18-week jail sentence which was suspended for two years; ordered to pay a total of £715 in costs and charges. Banned from owning pets for an indefinite period.
Update August 2022
Kierien Harrison was jailed for 38 weeks after being found guilty of stalking a woman.
Magistrates said the offences, “were a protracted course of conduct amounting to terrifying harassment of the victims”.
Harrison was found guilty of stalking, involving causing serious alarm or distress and harassment without violence.
He was also convicted of possession of cannabis on July 8 and breaching the suspended sentence order imposed for the animal cruelty offence.
He’s Closed His Facebook Page Down.
Absolutely Heart Breaking.
He has been Beating His little Pet Dog.
What A Sad Mentally Disturbed Young Man.
I just hope he Never Has Children. He is obviously Not Safe.
$1000 to anyone who puts this coward in a wheelchair for life.
I have Autism and would never ever do this to any Animal.
Apperenly he now is living at 71 prince’s Street.
Has a Black Kia
His hair is black now..
And has grow his beard and mustache and is black now too. He has 5 or 6 cats in the house with him which he should not have any pets in the house at all. For the safety of these cats.