CONVICTED (2023) | Jimmy Smith, born c. 1988, a traveller most recently of Thames Ditton, Elmbridge, Surrey but with links to Ashford, Hounslow and Feltham – killed two cocker spaniel puppies by repeatedly slamming them into a concrete floor.
Smith attacked the cocker spaniels – named Sky and Angel – in a despicable act of cruelty following a campaign of abuse against his partner.
“[Your partner] saw that you had both of her puppies on their leads and then heard a thud and the puppies screaming,” he said.
Judge Simon Taylor KC described the harrowing moment Smith took the lives of the two defenceless dogs at their home in Ashford, Kent.
“She saw you swinging the puppies by their leads and hitting their heads against the solid concrete floor, throwing them to the ground repeatedly.
“The next time she looked she saw that you were dragging the puppies along the floor by their leads.”
Following Smith’s fit of rage, one puppy died at the scene while the other was put down at a veterinary practice.
During the years prior to killing the dogs, Smith subjected his partner to persistent physical assaults, stalking, threatening and controlling behaviour.
Smith’s victim told the court in a statement she lived in “constant fear” during their 13-year relationship, and continues to feel terrified.
Smith pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour between August 2019 and August 2022.
The abuser, who has six convictions for 20 offences, was supported by about 20 family members in the public gallery.
They could be heard trying to console Smith after the judge passed sentence.
Representing Smith, Benjamin Hargreaves said he is illiterate, “finds language hard to comprehend”, and subsequently descends into aggression.
An RSPCA spokesperson said of the puppies’ deaths: “We are so sad to hear about this deeply tragic case.
“This shocking incident reminds us that pets sadly can be used as a way of controlling people, as a form of domestic violence.
“We would urge anyone experiencing these problems to seek help from the police or a domestic abuse charity, who will also be aware of any charities who provide pet fostering services to help care for animals while owners can get the support they need.”
Sentencing | jailed for seven years and five months. 10-year-restraining order.
Additional Information
In 2013 Smith was jailed for 90 days and banned from keeping pets for 10 years for failing to feed and get treatment for a sick lurcher puppy. The emaciated pup, dubbed Orphan Annie, was found weak, cold and barely able to stand due to ulcers on her paws.
We are advised that these two cases are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Jimmy Smith’s animal cruelty. More to follow.
