CONVICTED (2024) | Jason Alan Morgan, born c. 1987, of Beech Drive, Mold CH7 1TD – killed a dog in a brutal assault.
Father-of-two Morgan admitted causing unnecessary suffering on December 22, 2023, to the Jack Russell crossbreed, known as Titch, by inflicting blunt force trauma resulting in serious injury.
RSPCA prosecutor Peter Mitchell said Titch’s owner had asked Morgan to put him outside as he was about to go to the toilet against a sofa.
But the little dog was subsequently found on a concrete path in a state of seizure and bleeding, having been thrown in the air.
Morgan called it an “accident.”
The pet was taken to a vet where it was discovered he had a depressed fracture of the skull and bleeding around the brain. Sadly, nothing could be done for him and he was put to sleep.
Mr Mitchell said “significant force” had been used to cause the injuries.
Defence solicitor Craig Hutchinson said Morgan was hardworking and had no previous convictions. He was “deeply, deeply remorseful.”
He’d taken responsibility for his “devastating” actions and went with his partner to the vet.
The lawyer added :”This is an isolated incident. There’s no suggestion he ill-treated this animal on any other occasions in his life. This is a spontaneous act, clearly a devastating act.”
Court chairwoman Kimberly Caruana told Morgan it was a “particularly unpleasant incident.”
She added: ”While you have taken full responsibility, it has been an absolutely disgraceful act on a defenceless animal. You were in a position of trust, being the partner to the owner.
“Your action has resulted in death. The court do take a dim view of these cases.”
Sentencing | 12-month community order with 180 hours of unpaid work and up to 25 days of rehabilitation activity; £114 surcharge. Banned from keeping an animal for six years (expires June 2030).