CONVICTED (2011) | Martin Gareth Howells (deceased), born 04/06/1989, from Ely, Cardiff – strangled a puppy to death because she had become a burden
Martin Gareth Howells twisted the collar of a 12-week-old mastiff-type dog, named Jessie, garrotting her.
A post-mortem examination showed that Jessie’s death was consistent with strangulation. The vet’s report said it would have required sustained pressure to strangle the dog to death and it would have been an extremely painful, stressful demise.
A court heard Howells then buried Jessie’s body in the back garden of the house he shared with then partner Jade Tarr in Crossways Road, Ely.
When an RSPCA inspector called the following day, Howells claimed the dog had tried to attack their two-year-old daughter, Karla.
Howells told the RSPCA inspector: “I’m not going to lie to you, mate. The dog went for my daughter and I had to kill it.”
But Cardiff Magistrates Court heard that Howells had been warning that Jessie was an annoyance.
The RSPCA prosecutor said: “There was no evidence to show the dog was aggressive. In this breed of dog it would have been unusual. There’s evidence to suggest he wanted to get rid of the dog and said so before the incident.”
He added: “He told a neighbour that if the dog hadn’t gone by a certain date, he would kick it out in the street.
“In another conversation he said an ultimatum had been given for the dog to leave. He said he planned on selling the dog. He had enough of the dog. It had become a burden to him.”
Howells was found guilty in his absence of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and failing to protect it from pain and suffering.
He also pleaded guilty to assaulting Ms Tarr in a separate incident in October 2010. The court heard he grabbed her in a head lock and punched her to the ribs and face, as their daughter looked on.
Mike Evans, prosecuting the assault, said Howells’ prolonged drug use had changed his temperament towards aggression.
He said:”He would threaten her and threatened to harm the dog. After the dog was killed, she began to take his threats more seriously.”
Sentence: six-month prison sentence; life-ban on keeping animals.
Source: WalesOnline (link removed).
Update August 2020
Martin Howells has died after apparently taking his own life.
Lets Hope Social Services Were Informed and Involved, For The Safety Of That Child. Another Mentally Disturbed Scum.
I believe he still may have access to animals. He has a facebook profile that shows dogs on it.
I know, and the RSPCA have previously been notified of it.
No dogs will suffer at the hands of this vile excuse of a man.. he took his own life yesterday.
Thanks for the info, Sophie. Has this been posted anywhere just so I can verify it?
No need. I found some posts on FB about it. Thanks again.
Listen you no good for nothing piece of fucking shit how dare you speak down of my brother like that who the fuck do u think you are your so lucky your picture aint showing up and your name let me tell you… your fucking sick to be putting up post like this about people.. let me find out whonu are and watch…!!!!