Category Archives: Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Pet abuse at its most evil. Excludes wildlife persecution.

Dogs, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Lifers, Pet Theft, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Stevenage, Hertfordshire: Mark Linford

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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.

Evil Stevenage man Mark Linford stole three dogs during a burglary and killed one of them while seriously injuring the others
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.

Evil Stevenage man Mark Linford stole three dogs (pictured) during a burglary and killed one of them while seriously injuring the others
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.

EssexLive

Dogs, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire: Sam Bodington

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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.

Domestic abuser and animal abuser Samuel Bodington from Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire
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).

HullLive

Dogs, Lifers, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex: Robert Manton and Natasha Butler

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CONVICTED (2024) | Robert Manton aka Rob Philpot, born 1986, and Natasha Butler, born November 1979, of Stonham Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea CO16 7EH – neglected and physically abused their two dogs.

RSPCA prosecution of Clacton-on-Sea couple Robert Manton and Natasha Butler for cruelty to two dogs.
Butler and Manton were banned from keeping animals for life after being captured on video abusing their two dogs.

The RSPCA investigated Manton and Butler after receiving video evidence of their cruelty towards a Staffy called Bruce and Jack Russell-type Snoop. This included footage showing Manton kicking and hitting both dogs.

On January 13, 2023 the charity attended the couple’s home in Clacton with police and removed the dogs.

RSPCA prosecution of Clacton-on-Sea couple Robert Manton and Natasha Butler for cruelty to two dogs.
Bruce (pictured) and Snoop thrived in the RSPCA’s care and have been rehomed

Further evidence was provided of the two dogs fighting outside and running loose in the street and one of the dogs attacking the other. There was no intervention by their owners, thereby facilitating the suffering of the animal being attacked The two dogs were kept together and there was no provision to keep Snoop safe.

RSPCA prosecution of Clacton-on-Sea couple Robert Manton and Natasha Butler for cruelty to two dogs.
Snoop

Both dogs had skin disease and were infested with fleas. They were also being kept in unsuitable conditions.

Manton, who is no stranger to Essex Police, was found guilty in his absence while Butler pleaded guilty to failing to meet the welfare needs of Snoop and Bruce by one or a combination of the following:

  • Failing to address the skin condition affecting one or both dogs
  • Failing to adequately control the dogs resulting in the dogs fighting each other
  • Keeping the dogs in an unsuitable environment containing hazardous items and which was contaminated by urine and faeces
  • Failing to protect the dogs from stress by punching or kicking them
  • Exercising the dogs on the highway without the dogs being kept on leads meaning that the dogs were not under control or safe
  • Failing to provide routine preventative health care such as vaccination and parasitic control.

In mitigation, the court was told Manton was suffering from mental health issues and he had lost a relative to cancer. The dogs were not his, but he was aware of their conditions. In mitigation Butler also said she had been suffering with mental health issues.

RSPCA prosecution of Clacton-on-Sea couple Robert Manton and Natasha Butler for cruelty to two dogs.

Speaking after the case RSPCA inspector Emma Beynon said: “Bruce and Snoop should have been protected and kept safe, but sadly this was not the case. The couple failed them in so many ways.

“Both dogs were taken into RSPCA care and both continued to thrive and they have now been rehomed.

“I would also like to thank the witnesses in this case – which was a difficult one for all involved.

Sentencing |
Manton: 17 week prison sentence for the animal welfare offence with one further week added for his failure to surrender. He also activated a previous suspended sentence – which resulted in a further 40 weeks’ imprisonment to run consecutively.

Butler: 12-week prison sentence with additional time added for failure to surrender; 30 days of rehabilitation activity; costs of £600 plus £154 victim surcharge.

Both were disqualified from keeping animals for life.

EssexLive

Dogs, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Kirkby, Merseyside: Karl Draper

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CONVICTED (2024) | Karl Anthony Draper, born c. 2000, of Jade Close, Kirkby, Liverpool L33 6YH – attacked his girlfriend’s French bulldog puppy more than once during sustained campaign of domestic violence.

Prosecution of Liverpool man Karl Draper for domestic abuse, who also targeted his girlfriend's dog for violence.

MMA fighter Draper had been with Bekah Smith for around three years until their split in September 2023. Ms Smith then told the police that he had subjected her to verbal and physical abuse throughout their time together.

Cheryl Mottram, prosecuting, described how Ms Smith had previously “made excuses for his behaviour” and “stayed with him because she loved him”, but she “kept photographs and recordings” evidencing his numerous assaults.

Prosecution of Liverpool man Karl Draper for domestic abuse, who also targeted his girlfriend's dog for violence.
French bulldog puppy Angel was also targeted by violent headcase Karl Draper

The first such incident came on April 15 2021, when Draper kicked the French bulldog puppy they had bought only a few days earlier in her side, causing the dog, named Angel, to “yelp in pain”. This would be one of many occasions when heavy cannabis user Draper took his frustrations out on the puppy.

Numerous other incidents followed which included Draper repeatedly making threats of self-harm, leaving Ms Smith feeling emotionally blackmailed into continuing with the relationship. She also suffered multiple physical assaults, including throttling, at the hands of Draper even during pregnancy and after the birth of their son.

On one voice recording, Draper is heard chillingly telling Ms Smith that she would “end up in the morgue”.

Draper also damaged property including a child’s games console during his many violent rages.

After his behaviour was reported to the police, he told officers Ms Smith “was a liar” and said the marks around her throat in photographs had been an “allergic reaction or make up”.

Ultimately, Draper admitted engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour and five counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was not charged with animal cruelty.

Ken Heckle, defending, told the court that his client suffers from issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD and self harm.

Prosecution of Liverpool man Karl Draper for domestic abuse, who also targeted his girlfriend's dog for violence.

Sentencing, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Andrew Menary KC said: “People who use this type of abuse, of putting their hands around the throat, are committing serious offences, and that type of behaviour will always be regarded by the court as a real warning sign – a red flag that something more serious might happen in the future. Anyone who puts their hands around somebody else’s throat and squeezes is to be regarded as a high risk.

“All of this has had a significant and profound effect on Rebecca Smith. I am perfectly satisfied that the consequences of your behaviour towards her have caused her very significant psychological harm.

“Often, people such as you who engage in domestic abuse have two faces – the one presented to the public and the more sinister one which emerges in the context of an intimate relationship. You cannot claim to be someone of good character when your conduct has spanned a period of three years.

“However, I do take into account your immaturity and your struggles with your mental health. I am perfectly satisfied that, despite the mitigation available to you, immediate imprisonment is the only appropriate sentence to represent the serious nature of the abuse committed by you.”

Sentencing | two-year custodial. Five-year restraining order.

Liverpool Echo
Daily Mail

Dogs, police dogs, service and working dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Shard End, Birmingham: Lauren Hatch

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CONVICTED (2024) | Lauren Hatch, born c. 1977, of Ridgewood, Shard End, Birmingham B34 6TD – kicked a police dog in the neck because he was biting her crime-prone son’s leg.

Birmingham woman Lauren Hatch, who kicked a police dog and also attacked a police officer
Lauren Hatch

The court heard that Hatch ‘reacted like any other mother’ after being woken up by a commotion at her home.

She also kicked out at a police officer after being placed in handcuffs for lashing out at PD Jack, who was thankfully not injured.

PD Jack was uninjured due to the protective clothing he was wearing
PD Jack was uninjured due to the protective clothing he was wearing

Prosecutor Jonathan Purser stated police were called to an incident on March 6, 2024, where someone was lying injured in the road. He said: “The defendant was present and her son tried to make off on foot. As part of him being detained a police dog was used.

“The defendant was said to have kicked the dog to the side of the head which resulted in her being arrested and she was also said to have delivered a kick to the officer who detained her, resulting in temporary pain only.”

Hatch admitted assault by beating an emergency worker and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Birmingham woman Lauren Hatch, who kicked a police dog and also attacked a police officer
Hatch with son Jordan (surname tbc)

Mitigating, Shabana Sharif, defending, said her client “behaved as a result of hearing her son screaming and being bitten” adding that she had “reacted like any other mother.”

Sharif explained that Hatch had “mental health issues” and was engaging with support services.

District Judge Michelle Smith said she was “satisfied this was an isolated incident” and imposed a community order.

Sentencing | 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation days; £40 fine and £50 compensation to the officer.

BirminghamLive

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Gravelly Hill, Birmingham: Steven Jaye

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CONVICTED (2024) | Steven A Jaye, born c. 1989, Gravelly Hill, Birmingham B23 but originally from Dudley – caught kicking and dragging his dog, before picking her up and dropping her on the ground.

RSPCA prosecution of dog abuser Steven Jaye from Birmingham.

Jaye was challenged by members of the public after mistreating the collie-type dog, known as Lelo, in a public place.

He was reported to the police and prosecuted by the RSPCA.

CCTV was obtained which showed him being cruel to the dog.

RSPCA prosecution of dog abuser Steven Jaye from Birmingham. Victim Lelo.
Victim Lelo is in a loving new home

Jaye admitted an animal welfare offence at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on February 28, 2024.

The court heard he felt ‘very sorry and ashamed’ of his actions.

RSPCA inspector Vicky Taylor, who investigated for the charity, said: “This was an unprovoked attack on a defenceless dog. It is completely unacceptable to treat any animal in this way and we will always look into reports of animal cruelty and, where necessary, seek justice for that animal.”

Lelo was signed over into the care of the RSPCA and has since been rehomed.

Sentencing | 100 hours of unpaid work, ten days of rehabilitation activity; £350 in costs and £114 victim surcharge. Disqualified from keeping animals for five years, but may appeal after three years (expires February 2029).

BirminghamLive

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Leicester: Benn Ryan

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CONVICTED (2024) | Benn Ryan, born c. 1988, of no fixed abode, Leicester – caught on camera whacking his dog causing the pet to yelp in pain.

Ryan was immediately arrested after police officers witnessed him hitting the dog.

The incident, which happened on Monday, March 11, 2024, was filmed and later uploaded to social media.

He pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and to being in possession of Class B drugs and was fined £80. No mention of a ban.

Leicestershire Police and the Court and Tribunals Service Centre could not say what had happened to the dog after the incident.

LeicestershireLive

Dogs, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Hollym, East Riding of Yorkshire: Aidan Swift

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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.

Dog killer and domestic abuser Aidan Swift from Hollym, Withernsea, East Riding of Yorkshire.

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.

Dog killer and domestic abuser Aidan Swift from Hollym, Withernsea, East Riding of Yorkshire.

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).

YorkshireLive
Daily Mail

Dogs, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Wingate, County Durham: Adam Bone

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CONVICTED (2024) | Adam Lee Bone, born c. 1991, of 29 Taylor Grove, Wingate, County Durham TS28 5PA – assaulted a dog and his female owner.

Animal abuser Adam Bone from Wingate, Durham. Image: Adam Bone / Facebook

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.

Animal abuser Adam Bone from Wingate, Durham. Image: Adam Bone / Facebook

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).

Northern Echo

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Wythenshawe, Manchester: Carlton Chesney-Mitchell

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CONVICTED (2024) | Carlton James Chesney-Mitchell, born 13 September 2002, of Greenbrow Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester M23 2FT – caught on CCTV beating his dog.

RSPCA prosecution of violent dog abuser Carlton Chesney-Mitchell from Wythenshawe, Manchester

Vicious Carlton Chesney-Mitchell was convicted of animal cruelty in relation to a Belgian Malinois called Anne by inflicting physical abuse on her.

The RSPCA were alerted to footage of the incident which had been posted on Facebook. It showed a man kicking and throwing a medium-sized brown dog in June last year.

RSPCA prosecution of violent dog abuser Carlton Chesney-Mitchell from Wythenshawe, Manchester
Aside from physical pain, the RSPCA said Annie may suffer life-long psychological damage as a consequence of her previous owner’s violence towards her

The video shows a male in dark trousers, a blue hoodie and a black balaclava cycling towards an open garden from a field. He then throws the bike down and can be heard shouting “come here”. A dog comes into the footage before it is kicked in the face. The man then entices the dog back and kicks her again.

The man, later identified to be Chesney-Mitchell, is then heard saying: “Stop pissing me off and fucking running off, stop it” before striking Annie twice with his right hand and grabbing her by the neck with both hands and throwing her in the air. Annie can then be seen spun in mid-air before landing on her feet and running out onto the field. The male can be heard stating “Fucking piece of shit”, as he mounts his bicycle and cycles off.

Inspector Deborah Beats, who investigated, said Annie thankfully wasn’t physically injured:

Deborah said: “I reached out to those on social media who had information on this video and after a false start, I was able to speak to a member of the public who informed me the dog and the owner were at their house.

“I met Chesney-Mitchell at the member of the public’s address along with his two year old Belgian Malinois Annie. After interviewing the owner, I took Annie to be checked over by a vet where thankfully it was found that she didn’t have any injuries.”

Original post with video shared to Facebook by a concerned resident

The court heard how a vet report stated that Annie was very nervous on examination. It found that Annie would have suffered physically momentarily during the kicking, throwing and hitting episodes captured in the footage, however, the emotional impact may have a life-long effect.

The report continued: “This is shown with Annie’s fear behaviours such as cowering away from the person in the video before the second kick and cowering when her head was approached for examination. These fear behaviours along with being constantly shouted at would have caused her mental suffering.

“It is likely Annie will have been in pain for several days after this incident and will have suffered at the very least mild soft tissue injuries. This will have caused discomfort when trying to walk and display normal behaviours such as playing.

“In the video presented I can identify that the person of interest inflicts harm on Annie on at least five occasions in the form of kicking, hitting and throwing.

“They caused unnecessary suffering on multiple accounts by inflicting pain on Annie. There was no reasonable explanation for the outbursts on her visible within the video footage, as Annie was not inflicting harm on the person in question or anyone else.”

A deprivation order was imposed for Annie meaning she can now be rehomed by the RSPCA.

Deborah added: “This was a shocking and completely unnecessary attack on this poor dog. I’m glad this case has concluded and Annie can now find the loving forever home she deserves.”

Sentencing | 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 100 hours of unpaid work; £200 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge. TWO-year ban on keeping dogs (expires March 2026).

Manchester Evening News
ITV News