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.
Mental health card. I suffer with mental health. I tell you what id love to meet you
And I wouldn’t need a weapon. But omg I’d make you feel like you wish you could go back before that day.
I’ve got an American bulldog. She drives me insane some days but would never cross my mind to hurt her in anyway. Your just nasty ugly scum.
She can’t cope with life for various reasons by the sound of it. No excuse for deliberately killing a dog. You would never feel safe around her.