CONVICTED | Mark Anthony Linford, born October 1977, of Long Lane, Aston End, Stevenage SG2 7HG – broke into a woman’s home and stole her dogs before attacking them, causing fatal injuries to one.
Dog killer Mark ‘Marco’ Linford will be spending the next two-and-a-half years behind bars for his crimes
Linford, a self-employed painter/decorator trading under the name Linford’s Professional Decorating, pleaded guilty to three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal as well as burglary
Essex Police were called to an address in Harlow on the afternoon of 18 September 2023 following reports of a residential burglary, where three chihuahua dogs (pictured) were stolen.
The suspect was quickly identified as Linford. He was located and arrested on suspicion of burglary.
The dogs were located later in the day.
Nacho pictured at the back alongside Lola and Parker
One dog, Nacho, was found next to the railway track at Harlow Mill. Sadly, he had to be put to sleep due to the severity of his injuries.
The other two dogs, Parker and Lola, were found close to the train tracks with serious injuries.
Linford was further arrested on suspicion of three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and later charged.
After pleading guilty to three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and burglary, he was sentenced to a total of two years and six months in prison.
Linford, who uses the first name Marco but may also go by the name Billy or Billie Linford, was also issued with a restraining order against the victim, an Animal Disqualification Order and ordered to pay compensation to the victim.
Following the sentence, the dogs’ owner said the following: “No sentence given to Mark Linford (Marco) will ever do justice for the loss of my little Nacho and the devastation it’s caused the whole family and the other two dogs.
“You never think that something so awful could ever happen to you.
“Our animals are like our children, totally innocent.”
Detective Constable Sarah Faircloth, who led the investigation said “Mark Linford made the decision to take the victim’s three defenceless dogs which goes to show what a dangerous individual he is. The anguish and heartache he has caused is irreparable, which no prison sentence will ever compensate.
“I must commend the victim for her courage throughout the investigation, her support and dedication for justice for Nacho, which in my opinion was the main reason Linford had no choice but to admit his guilt.”
Sentencing | two years and six months in prison; animal disqualification order of unspecified duration.
CONVICTED (2024) | serial domestic abuser and dangerous career criminal Arran Swift aka Arran Adey, born c. 1986, originally from Cowdenbeath, Fife but with links to the Lochend and Restalrig areas of Edinburgh and Cumbernauld in Glasgow – killed and mutilated a hamster with a hammer in a sick revenge attack against his partner.
The death of the little hamster, named Timmy, came to light after Swift sent the woman a chilling message, stating “Timmy isn’t going to survive”.
Police found the body of the animal, along with blood splatters where he had been thrown against a wall and a hammer covered in blood and hair.
The court heard that Swift carried out a litany of abuse after entering into a relationship with the woman in 2018 or 2019.
Fiscal depute Ronnie Hay detailed the abuse, including the destruction of the victim’s pet, committed after she took Swift back following a previous split.
He said: “The complainer felt sorry for him and invited him to stay with her.
“The accused’s behaviour did not vary – he began controlling what she was doing.
“He punched and kicked at walls and mirrors.
“They separated in September 2021 and she left her flat, leaving her pet hamster Timmy.
“Between September 6 and 16 telephone records showed 391 communications were made from his phone to her.
“These messages were also threatening – she received one saying ‘Timmy isn’t going to survive. Where are you?….bad move, goodbye’.”
Police went to the property and found evidence Swift was still living there – along with the grim discovery of the pet’s body.
Mr Hay continued: “They observed the deceased hamster, which appeared to have been struck off the wall.
“They contacted the SSPCA and an inspector attended and found the hamster and blood spatters on the wall.
“She saw a hammer with blood and hair on it.”
On an earlier occasion Swift trapped the woman inside her house, tied her hands together and followed her around the house – even watching as she used the toilet – and threatened to stab her.
On another occasion he hit her, resulting in her waking from unconsciousness in the bathroom.
After the woman left Swift initially, she found him inside her house. Swift had taken some important items, including jewellery and photographs, telling her he had taken “things that matter to you”.
He invited her to a Travelodge in Edinburgh with the promise of returning the items.
She texted her mother asking her to call the police as she needed help, only for Swift to beat her with a gin bottle.
Other incidents included stealing a television that had been taken in by a neighbour following delivery, making threats to kill her former partner, sending her photos to suggest he was in her local area and he stated he had put cameras in her home.
Swift, a prisoner at Edinburgh, admitted engaging in a course of conduct abusive of a partner or ex-partner at addresses in Fife, Edinburgh and Cumbernauld between October 2020 and January 2022.
Swift’s heinous crimes were so serious the case was remitted to the High Court in Dundee.
Presiding judge Lord Arthurson ruled that Swift poses a significant threat to the public should he be released from custody.
He said reports showed that Swift had “sadistic” tendencies and scored highly on a test to assess psychopathic behaviour.
He said: “You demonstrated extreme violence, controlling and somewhat sadistic behaviour towards your victim. You have used different aliases in relationships.
“When you are heavily intoxicated and in a state of inebriation you have felt the overwhelming desire to inflict serious pain on others. You have shown a lack of empathy. You have shown no anxiety about the consequences. There is an extremely high likelihood of you committing other offences and you have the capacity to cause lethal harm.
“You scored highly on the assessment for psychopathy. The risk of harm posed by you has been persistent over time. You have been violent against strangers and intimate partners.
“You have found it impossible to take responsibility for your behaviour. You have had eight previous partners and have shown concerning behaviour towards seven of them.
“You have described your own fantasies about harming others in the past. You killed your victim’s pet animal and mutilated the body. You repeatedly threatened to kill your victim and her family and burn down her house. This was sustained, coercive and controlling behaviour over 16 months.”
Lord Arthurson said: “I have concluded that the nature, gravity and pattern of offending are such as to demonstrate that your liberty will endanger the lives of the public at large.”
Swift will initially serve three years and nine months in prison but will be subjected to a lifelong restriction order meaning that only the parole board can decide if Swift can be managed in the community.
Swift was also made subject to a lifelong non-harassment order.
The court was told that Swift was already subject to two other non-harassment orders, had served 19 previous prison terms and was on a community payback order at the time of the latest offence.
Sentencing | three years and nine months in jail. Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR).
CONVICTED (2024) | Samuel Bodington, born 22 May 1990, of Aire Street, Goole DN14 5QE – strangled a chihuahua and attacked his girlfriend in a drug-fuelled rage.
Image credit: HullLive
Bodington’s girlfriend was looking after the female dog, known as Luna, because she had been cruelly mistreated by a previous owner. Following the vicious attack by junkie Bodington, the tiny pet was left with her tongue hanging out and became “very shaken and jumpy”.
Sentencing was originally imposed in July 2023 after Bodington admitted the intentional strangulation of his girlfriend and causing unnecessary suffering to her pet dog. He was given a 16-month suspended prison sentence but this was activated in late March 2024 after he repeatedly failed to attend appointments with the probation service.
Michael Forrest, prosecuting, told the original hearing that Bodington’s girlfriend had been looking after Luna.
Bodington arrived at her home in Goole at 7.30pm on April 21, 2023, for a party where everyone was drinking. He and his girlfriend took Pregabalin tablets obtained from a drug dealer.
“The defendant’s behaviour changed like a switch had been flipped,” said Mr Forrest.
Bodington became agitated and he was hallucinating and being loud and aggressive, causing the woman to become scared.
“She told him to leave but he didn’t leave,” said Mr Forrest.
Bodington began calling her names. She was lying on a sofa with the dog when Bodington launched himself at her and dragged them both to the floor. While they were on the floor, he took hold of her throat and the neck of the dog.
He squeezed the woman’s neck, causing her to gasp for air, and he held on to the dog’s neck, causing her tongue to hang out of her mouth.
The woman forced Bodington to release his grip. She alerted the police and Bodington was arrested.
“Luna was very shaken and jumpy,” said Mr Forrest. The woman later said that Bodington’s attack on her was unprovoked.
During the original hearing Judge John Thackray KC told Bodingonn: “Your behaviour on the evening in question was appalling. Your victim must have been terrified. The dog must have been terrified.
“This could have been so much more serious. Sometimes it only takes a few seconds from when someone is strangled to them losing consciousness.”
Sentencing | 16-month immediate custodial (previously suspended), Banned from keeping animals for just two years (expires July 2025).
CONVICTED (2024) | Aidan Swift, born 11 July 1981, from Holmpton Road, Hollym, Withernsea HU19 2QG – kicked his girlfriend’s Chihuahua to death in a fit of jealous rage.
Swift flew into a jealous rage and kicked the little dog, Kiki, so hard that she died immediately. He also hit his girlfriend with a piece of wood and threatened to kill her.
He admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a dog on April 7, 2023. He also admitted to being controlling and hurting his girlfriend and threatening to kill her.
Sentencing Swift the judge stated his behaviour was “appalling” adding that “Kiki was only a small dog, but you must have kicked it hard to kill it. I simply can’t bring myself to express my view about that.”
“You will appreciate that I have dogs myself. The way you treated her pet has left me no alternative but to impose a sentence of imprisonment.
“These offences are simply too serious to overlook.”
Sentencing | two-and-a-half years in prison including one year for the attack on Kiki. Five-year restraining order. Prohibited from owning and/or keeping dogs for five years but may apply for the ban to be lifted after three years (expires March 2029).
CONVICTED (2024) | Adam Lee Bone, born c. 1991, of 29 Taylor Grove, Wingate, County Durham TS28 5PA – assaulted a dog and his female owner.
Bone, a career criminal with numerous previous convictions for violence dating back to his teens, pleaded guilty to two counts; assault by beating, and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
The offences took place on August 27, 2023, when Bone assaulted a woman and a Bedlington Terrier in Wingate.
Sentencing | 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months. ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs. Disqualified from keeping dogs for five years (expires March 2029).
CONVICTED (2024) | John Cameron Lindop, born 20 March 2000, of 7 Albion Hill, Epworth, Doncaster DN9 1HU* but with family links to Gainsborough, and Lucy Elizabeth Melrose, born 20 June 2000, of Hawthorne Road, Ferryhill DL17 9DP but originally from Gateshead – killed and burned a puppy and abused other animals in a campaign of horrific cruelty.
John Lindop and Lucy Melrose were convicted of a litany of cruelty offences against numerous animals including three dogs, one of whom was sadistically killed by one or both defendants, a chicken and a Shetland pony
John Lindop and Lucy Melrose committed a series of sickening offences against defenceless animals. These included killing a puppy and burning the remains, beating a second dog, riding a small lame pony, and setting a dog on a chicken while filming the carnage.
At the time the pair lived together in a flat in Fifth Street, Horden, County Durham.
It was said in court that the pair were in a tempestuous relationship and took out their frustrations on their pets.
Lurcher Max, who was described as subdued and withdrawn, had suffered injuries to his abdomen. He required treatment by the PDSA for muscular damage and other injuries
They appeared at Durham Crown Court on Friday 16 February 2024 and were given suspended prison sentences.
The crimes came to light following an RSPCA investigation led by Inspector Clare Wilson, which spanned two years and involved multiple animals.
The charity was first alerted to the couple in February 2022 when a member of the public contacted the RSPCA after bringing Max, a lurcher they had recently rehomed, into the PDSA Gateshead with injuries to his abdomen, and blood in his urine.
Inspector Clare Wilson said: “Max was very subdued and withdrawn, he was hanging his head and was attached to drips when I first saw him.
“I immediately noticed that his muzzle was very swollen as was his right side near his shoulder. There was blood visible in the white of his right eye too. I was told that he had been weeing blood.
“There was bruising visible on his abdomen and sheath and there were blood marks on his legs and I saw old scars on his rear legs near his feet. His nails were not scuffed as we would expect if he had been hit by a car so the vet told me that they thought he had been beaten or kicked.”
The member of the public who brought the dog into the vets had rehomed him from Melrose and Lindop the day before and she had brought the lurcher to the vets as soon as she realised he was injured.
Tally had inflammation of an ear which should have been treated by a vet
A vet report found Max had suffered blunt force trauma injuries, brought on by physical abuse.
The report said: “Max was bleeding from both nostrils which were dripping blood. He had soft tissue swelling around his left eye and bruising on his neck. He also had visible bruising and swelling on both sides of his ribs and thighs and heavy bruising on his abdomen. The injuries suffered by Max are consistent with low energy impacts, such as kicking, being hit by fists, or thrown from a few metres down or falling down the stairs.
“Out of each of these scenarios it is my opinion that being kicked is most likely due to the placement of all his injuries. In my opinion, he has been hit or kicked to the muzzle and kicked repeatedly – possibly multiple times to his abdomen as bruising and injuries were more extensive there.”
When interviewed, Melrose claimed that Lindop had, “kicked him like a football and stamped on his head.”
It was later revealed that during the investigation, the couple had hid other dogs from the RSPCA, including a lurcher called Bambi and a German Shepherd dog called Tally.
Melrose later showed these dogs to the RSPCA’s investigating officer. Tally was underweight and her right ear was crooked and inflamed with a severe ear infection.
Durham Crown Court heard how the vet found Tally suffered due to the ear condition which would have caused irritation and pain for at least 10 days or longer.
A report stated that the person responsible for Tally had failed to seek veterinary advice for her ear condition and therefore had failed in protecting her from pain and suffering.
During the investigation, Melrose’s phone was seized and found to contain shocking videos depicting more animal welfare offences. This included Bambi, a fawn coloured lurcher, being baited and set on a chicken. Lindop claimed Melrose was responsible for this but “accepted he found it funny at the time, but did not know if the chicken had died as he had gone to the chip shop”.
A video on Melrose’s phone showed her riding a lame Shetland pony called Dinky, who was much too small for her
A series of other videos on her phone showed Melrose riding a Shetland pony called Dinky who was struggling under the weight of carrying her and was clearly lame in one leg.
Analysis of the videos by a vet revealed: “The female was far too large for both the saddle and the pony and as a result her body overhangs the back and sides of the saddle. The female is carrying a whip in her right hand and trying to force the pony to trot forwards.”
The 16-second video showed her hitting the pony with a stick 10 times.
The pony tries to avoid having to move forward and only moves forward at a trot once she has been repeatedly smacked with the whip and this is due to the fear and pain of being hit. The mouth of the pony is often open due to her discomfort and the pony is visibly lame on the right forelimb.
Text messages between Lindop and his mother were also discovered in which Lindop asks “If a dog’s been hit and nearly dead am I not in the right to finish it off so it’s not in pain or does that mean I killed it?”.
With the reply: “She killed it, you put it out its misery but you would both get done as should have been done by a vet humanely.”
Lindop then replied to his mother: “Won’t find it now like coz burnt it (sic).”
The burned remains of Welsh herder puppy Hades were found on scrubland near a railway line in Horden, County Durham
The charred remains of Hades, a 12 week old Welsh Herder puppy, were also found close to a railway line in an area of scrubland in Hordon, Peterlee, where there were burnt patches on the ground and fragments of Hades’ bones were discovered by the RSPCA.
Lindop claimed in graphic detail that Melrose had killed him whilst Melrose told investigators that Lindop had “hung him from a door until he was brain dead.”
The prosecution said they were unable to say who killed Hades but the method of his death was “sadistic” and involved him being hung from a door and killed with a hammer.
Lindop, whom it was said in court is living with his family in Gainsborough in Lincolnshire, admitted two counts each of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and permitting or failing to stop unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
Melrose admitted two counts each of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, and permitting or failing to stop unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, plus one of causing an animal fight to take place by baiting a chicken with a dog.
In mitigation, the court heard how the pair had challenging backgrounds and it was felt that rehabilitation is possible, given their young age.
Philip Morley, for Lindop, said he was, “not a sophisticated man”, having had “limited education” and is thought to suffer with an undiagnosed learning difficulty.
He said despite that, he has held down a variety of jobs and, “largely kept out of trouble”.
Mr Morley said at one stage Lindop formed a relationship with Melrose which he described as “toxic” and for which there is, now, no prospect of any reconciliation.
“It was clearly an unhealthy relationship for either party and not a good environment for those animals to be kept in.
“He’s deeply sorry and ashamed for what happened.
“The relationship got on top of him and he clearly took his eye off the ball.
“Both have now moved on and he has a new life in Gainsborough, working with his step-father in roofing and window cleaning.”
Mr Morley said, ironically, Lindop has a background of looking after animals and won a number of rosettes for training dogs in his younger days,
But he added that his client does not accept responsibility for the death of Hades, for which he has shown “genuine upset and remorse.”
Aspiring Only Fans skank Melrose shows off her tacky tattoos
Katie Spence, for Melrose, said her previous employment involved working with animals, but the entire experience of what went on during her relationship with Lindop has put her off any future involvement, regardless of the punishment and bars put on her by the court.
“She is extremely remorseful for any behaviour and wishes she had dome more than she did in these circumstances (to prevent it).”
Judge Peter Armstrong also mentioned mental health issues and commented that Lindop was now in a secure relationship with a baby on the way.
He said due to their age, their immaturity, and lack of previous offences, he was “just” able to suspend the inevitable prison sentences on both defendants.
He said, given the volatile relationship the pair were involved in, “I suspect you were taking out your frustrations on these animals in your welfare.”
He said he would not try to pinpoint who was primarily responsible for, “this catalogue of most unpleasant offending.”
Speaking about the case, RSPCA Inspector Clare Wilson, said: “This has been the most challenging case of my career so far and has been extremely distressing to investigate. It is clear that many animals suffered untold pain and mental torture at the hands of these defendants and I am immensely relieved that they will not be permitted to care for animals again for a long time.”
The RSPCA said Dinky was owned by a third party and is doing better now after recovering from her mistreatment. The dogs were brought into the care of RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre in Chester-le-Street where they have now been rehomed.
Sentencing | each were given 16-month prison sentences, suspended for two years. Both will undergo 40 days of rehabilitation and Lindop was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. Both were disqualified from keeping all animals for 15 years.
CONVICTED (2024) | Kevin Vivers, born 1965, with a last known address of Dalling Avenue, Bathgate EH48 2SB – for a catalogue of animal cruelty offences, rapes and sexual assaults over 36 years.
Vivers originally denied a series of charges, but was convicted of 27 crimes, including five animal cruelty offences alongside nine rape charges, seven assaults, and four sexual assaults.
His crimes in West Lothian and Stirlingshire spanned from when he was still a teenager in 1985 until 2021.
Vivers killed animals and subjected seven female victims, including a minor aged 13/14, to assaults, sexual assaults and rapes.
His first episode of animal cruelty was in 1985 when he began repeatedly punching a dog and kicking a cat.
In or around 2012 he attacked two dogs by lifting them by their collars, hitting them with sticks and kicking them.
In or around 1993 in Bathgate he killed two dogs by shooting one animal and slitting the throat of the other.
Vivers also apparently used dogs to hunt rabbits, deer and foxes and also allegedly drowned dogs.
A judge at the High Court in Edinburgh imposed a lifelong restriction order on Vivers and said he must serve a minimum of 10 years in prison.
Lord Lake told Vivers: “I must make it clear this does not mean you will be released automatically at the end of that period.”
He told the sex offender he would only ever be freed from jail if parole authorities were satisfied his release would not endanger public safety.
Expert reports prepared on Vivers concluded that he presented a high risk.
Lord Lake told him: “Your offences are of a serious kind, even when taken individually. When considered together they show a depraved course of conduct.”
He told the court via a video link to prison: “I have been penalised for something that is well and truly unproved.”
Det Ch Insp Steven McMillan said: “This was a difficult case due to the horrendous nature of Vivers’s crimes and the sickening animal abuse, which spanned so many years.
“I want to make it clear to anyone who has experienced sexual abuse that there is no time limit on when you can report these crimes. I would encourage any victims to come forward and report it to police.”
Vivers has been placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.
Lord Lake also made orders prohibiting Vivers from directly or indirectly contacting his victims.
Sentencing | lifelong restriction order with minimum 10 years to be served behind bars.
CONVICTED (2024) | Joseph Fogg, born c. 1984, of South Parade, Pensarn, Abergele LL22 7RH – kicked a dog with force during a domestic violence incident.
Fogg admitted causing unnecessary suffering to an animal alongside charges of assault by beating, using threatening behaviour, criminal damage to property and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Prosecuting, Thomas McLoughlin told the court that, at about 5.30pm in Rhyl on October 2, 2023, Fogg pushed a woman, bruising her and causing her to fall to the floor.
Fogg then kicked a dog with such force that she retreated and urinated.
He then caused roughly £1,100 of damage to the woman’s mobile phone, rendering it unusable.
While carrying the child, the woman was then punched on multiple occasions by Fogg, though one of his blows struck the child in the face instead.
The woman suffered swelling, bruising and cuts, and both she and the child suffered reddening under their eyes.
After the woman told Fogg that he had hit the child, he replied: “I’ll do it again.”
Defending Fogg, who had 16 previous convictions for 23 offences, but none for violent matters since 2012, Jade Tufail asked if the court could consider suspending his custodial sentence.
She said he has been “out of trouble” for three years, and suffers from mental health issues and alcoholism – though he “hasn’t touched a drink since the incident,” she added.
Ms Tufail described Fogg as “not somebody who is without hope”.
Sentencing, Judge Nicola Saffman deemed Fogg’s offences too serious for immediate custody to be avoided.
“You were clearly intoxicated,” she told Fogg, who spent much of the hearing weeping and with his head in his hands.
Judge Saffman added: “In my judgment, this is a matter where only an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate.”
Sentencing | two-year custodial. No mention of a ban.
CONVICTED (2024) | Mark Williams, born 13 July 1985, of The Deanes, Tiverton EX16 5GT – kicked his partner’s pet chihuahua and threw him 20 feet across a room.
Williams, who was once hailed as a hero after jumping into a canal to rescue a dog in distress, became so angry that he punched his own television and partially throttled his girlfriend before venting his rage on her tiny dog. The attack took place in the presence of a four-year-old boy.
Nigel Wraith, prosecuting, said Williams had been in a volatile on-off relationship with the woman for some time. She was living at his home on March 31, 2023, when an argument started after he returned home drunk.
Teacup chihuahua Smoothie was severely injured in the drink-fuelled attack but survived
He became jealous, threw her mobile telephone against a wall, punched and broke his television and put one hand around her throat, obstructing her airway and leaving her gasping for breath.
He then kicked her teacup chihuahua, Smoothie, before picking the dog up and throwing her out of the living room and into the kitchen where she hit the oven door and could be heard yelping in pain.
The owner reckoned Williams threw the dog the distance of three small cars parked end to end.
The dog suffered injuries to her jaw and hips.
Williams admitted intentional strangulation and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
Williams’ lawyer Evie Dean said her client was addressing his use of alcohol and seeking help for “mental health issues”.
Sentencing | jailed for 14 months, suspended for two years; 120-day alcohol abstinence tag; relationship course; 120 hours of unpaid community work. No ban.
CONVICTED (2023) | Erica Marisa Tavares, born 8 August 2000, of Constance Close, Dudbridge Road, Stroud GL5 3BH* – launched a “frenzied” fatal knife attack on the family dog after he escaped from home.
Tavares stabbed American bulldog ‘Thanos’ after having a row with her partner about the pet’s escape.
She repeatedly stabbed the dog with a 12in (5.08cm) knife. He suffered four head wounds and a fatal wound to his abdomen.
Tavares admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Thanos and assaulting her partner Gerson Barros.
Prosecutor Ed Hollingsworth told the court that the incident happened on the afternoon on 11 February 2023 when Mr Barras had just returned to their home to Stroud.
On his arrival, he was told that Thanos had been running around the street during the early hours of that morning and had been taken in by the local vets. They contacted the police and later arranged for the dog to be returned to its owners.
“This caused a heated argument between the couple which evolved into other accusations being made, with Tavares suggesting that Mr Barros leave the home and end their relationship,” said Mr Hollingsworth.
Tavares began stabbing the dog and pointed the knife at Mr Barros, threatening to kill him, he added.
She was arrested and the dog was taken to the vets for treatment.
Matt Harbinson, for Tavares, said that she had been the victim of abuse and a degree of controlling behaviour from Mr Barros and was also suffering from post-natal depression following the birth of her third baby.
“She describes this episode as a complete breakdown,” said Mr Harbinson.
“She was studying for a business degree, had a part-time job and was looking after three children while also being the victim of domestic abuse.
“This was a day when excessive pressure was brought to bear over the dog’s behaviour and she then reacted in the way she did.”
Judge Ian Lawrie KC told Ms Taveras the way the animal suffered was “unforgiveable” but accepted that Tavares’ offending was “completely out of character”.
Sentencing | 12 months in jail suspended for 18 months; 60 hours of unpaid work; 12 months of mental health treatment. Banned from keeping protected animals for just five years (expires December 2028).
*Alternative address is Harrowgate House, Cassland Road, Hackney, London E9 BY.
Additional Information
Following Erica Tavares’ conviction for animal cruelty, a neighbour of hers took to Facebook and alleged the following:
The media have most of this information wrong. She kicked the dog out in the street the night before and when confronted said they don’t have a dog.
Police then took the dog and her partner claimed it back when he returned from London.
She stabbed the dog because her partner paid more attention to the dog than herself,. He was a lovely dog.
She was not a domestic violence victim. In fact it’s the complete opposite. Her partner was getting the children out the house to safety while she was doing this.
Luckily the children are no longer in her care.
There was no history of domestic violence from her partner. This was just to help her case, as was the mental health defence.
It’s been hell. We’re a quiet close, with families, pets ,etc. She’s been intimidating people constantly. She takes photos of us including children.
No one in [Constance Close, Stroud] wants her here, but she’s being protected.
We collate data on animal cruelty convictions in the UK
