CONVICTED (2021) | Peter Stuart McCauley, born c. 1992, of 23 Rhyddings Street, Oswaldtwistle, Accrington BB5 3ER – tied a chicken to a tree and then instructed his eight-year-old son how to shoot it with a crossbow.
Career criminal McCauley whose previous convictions include burglary and dangerous driving instructed his son to fire two bolts at the terrified animal. When they bounced off McCauley moved the child closer.
The third bolt went through the chicken’s neck before McCauley stepped forward and fired a bolt which also went through its neck.
The court was told McCauley then pulled out both bolts while the chicken was still alive.
McCauley recorded the whole horrific incident and then posted it on social media.
Window fitter McCauley pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
Deputy District Judge Roger Lowe described it as a “terrible” offence.
“It was aggravated by the fact you had your eight-year-old son with you and encouraged him to shoot the crossbow at this poor animal,” said Deputy District Judge Lowe. “You added insult to injury by posting this on social media.”
Paul Ridehalgh, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said they received a complaint from a member of the public who had seen a number of videos showing McCauley and his son firing crossbow bolts at a domestic hen.
Mr Ridehalgh said the footage showed the hen tethered to a tree by its leg. McCauley and his son were both holding crossbows.
“The defendant could be heard instructing the boy what to do,” said Mr Ridehalgh. “He fired two bolts which hit chicken but bounced off. The boy moved closer, and still under instruction from his dad, fired again. This time the bolt penetrated the hen’s neck.”
Mr Ridehalgh said McCauley fired a bolt at the bird which also penetrated its neck. “The bird was still alive when the defendant pulled the bolts out,” said Mr Ridehalgh.
McCauley then showed the boy how to pluck the chicken.
A vet who viewed the videos said the bird was conscious when it was shot at and reacted by vocalising and trying to escape.
“He said it was clear the bird had suffered and displayed fear and distress,” said Mr Ridehalgh.
He said it had been deliberate abuse and the bird died after suffering a high degree of pain.
“There was limited co-operation with the investigating officer and it is clear he doesn’t think he has done anything wrong,” said Mr Ridehalgh.
Gareth Price of Forbe Solicitors, defending, said his client had mental health issues and had taken an allotment and started keeping animals and growing vegetables as a therapy.
“He knows he should not have done it and should not have involved his son,” said Price.
Sentencing: 12 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months; 200 hours of unpaid work; total of £528 costs and charges. Banned from keeping animals for five years (expires January 2026).
