Tag Archives: mental health treatment requirement

Cats, Hoarders, Worst of the Worst

Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham: Marissa Faultless

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CONVICTED (2024) | pet hoarder Marissa Faultless, born c. 1957, of Tower Road, Sutton Coldfield B75 5EA – kept dozens of poorly cats in disgusting conditions.

RSPCA prosecution of cat hoarder Marissa Faultless from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
The court heard that pet hoarder Marissa Faultless was not ‘deliberately cruel’ and her behaviour was due to a mental health disorder

Nearly 100 cats had to be removed from Marissa Faultless’s chaotic home, which was described in court as smelling like death. One kitten was found dead while others had to be euthanised. Some had to have eyes removed due to cat flu.

On three occasions RSPCA inspectors were forced to raid the property where every area of the garden contained piles of fence-high rubbish while inside reeked of urine and faces.

RSPCA prosecution of cat hoarder Marissa Faultless from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham

Faultless refused to accept anything was wrong with the cats and denied they needed veterinary treatment.

Ultimately she admitted six animal welfare offences, albeit she made a last-ditch, thankfully unsuccessful, bid to reverse the pleas in a ploy to keep her cats.

RSPCA prosecutor Sara Pratt told the court there had been a ‘long history’ to the case. She said that police and Birmingham City Council had tried to work with Faultless following initial complaints and in April 2021 she was provided with copies of the Animal Welfare Act as well as a code of practice for looking after cats.

RSPCA prosecution of cat hoarder Marissa Faultless from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham

But Ms Pratt added that ‘nothing changed’ and a warrant had to be executed on September 2, 2021, which resulted in the removal of 34 cats and kittens. A further 24 were spotted outside but officers could not catch them and did not have the legal power to seize them.

Ms Pratt said: “Outside of the house there was piled high rubbish in the garden as high as the fence. Inside the property there were a large number of cats and kittens. There was an overpowering smell of urine and a build-up of faeces in the living room. There were no suitable litter trays. The house was in a cluttered state.”

A lot of the cats were suffering from cat flu as well as fleas.

RSPCA prosecution of cat hoarder Marissa Faultless from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham

Faultless refused to formally sign any of them over to the RSPCA. She was interviewed and accepted ownership of them but denied there were signs of flu or ringworm.

She also blamed Covid for failing to seek flea treatment but insisted the cats did not need to see a vet. She claimed she had not noticed the smell but admitted she struggled with how many pets she had, said Ms Pratt.

There were further visits to her home in June and July 2022 following more complaints which culminated in a second warrant executed in August.

Ms Pratt said: “The conditions at the property had deteriorated. There was an overwhelming smell of urine, faeces and what was described by others as ‘death’.”

A dead kitten was found at the home while 26 cats had to be removed. One four-week-old kiten was particularly emaciated and had to be euthanised.

A third raid took place in April 2023 when another 34 cats had to be taken away.

RSPCA prosecution of cat hoarder Marissa Faultless from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham

The court was told a small number of cats had to have eyes removed due to severe flu. At that point Faultless cried ‘no, no, no that’s not true’ as she broke down in tears in the dock. One cat died after being operated on by the vet.

Ms Pratt said: “Clearly all of the cats had suffered pain and distress. A reasonably competent and humane person would have sought veterinary attention.”

She told the court a number of cats died but the vast majority had been rehomed while some remained in boarding establishments awaiting to be adopted.

Queenie Djan, defending, said: “This is Ms Faultless’s first time offending. It is not the case she was deliberately cruel. It is directly linked to a mental disorder she is suffering from. There is a history of her owning cats before her offending with no issues. She is receiving support from other organisations.”

Sentencing | 12-month community order with 15 days of rehabilitation activity and 12 sessions of psychological intervention. Banned from keeping cats for ten years.

BirminghamLive
Daily Mail

badger baiting, deer, Dogs, hunting with dogs, Lifers, Multiple Species, Organised Animal Crime, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Serial Animal Abusers, Traveller Animal Crimes, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports, Worst of the Worst

City of Lancaster, Lancashire: Tom Lloyd, Jay Jones and Steven Dixon

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CONVICTED (2024) | wildlife killers Thomas Graham Michael Lloyd, born 28 December 1986, of Slaidburn Drive, Lancaster LA1 4QX; Jay Stuart Jones born 5 March 1987, of Barley Cop Lane, Lancaster LA1 2PP; and Steven Dixon, born 9 November 1983 of 63 Keswick Road, Lancaster LA1 3LF – for sadistic cruelty towards multiple deer and at least one badger.

Lancaster men Tom Lloyd (left) and Jay Jones were both sent to prison for serious wildlife offences
Tom Lloyd (left) and Jay Jones were both sent to prison for serious wildlife offences

The sadistic trio were all convicted of a range of wildlife offences, including cutting a deer’s throat and restraining a deer to enable dogs to attack it.

Prosecution of wildlife criminal Tom Lloyd from Lancaster, and accomplices Steven Dixon and Jay Jones.
Tom Lloyd was the ringleader of the sick gang of criminals

Tom Lloyd pleaded guilty to four offences of causing unnecessary suffering to deer and a badger, with videos showing the deer’s neck being stood on to enable dogs to attack the animal, and the deer’s throat being cut repeatedly. He was sentenced to 33 months in prison and was disqualified from keeping dogs for life.

Jay Jones pleaded guilty to one offence of causing unnecessary suffering to a deer by restraining the animal to allow dogs to attack it. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison and was disqualified from keeping dogs for six years.

Steven Dixon pleaded guilty to one offence of causing unnecessary suffering to a deer by repeatedly cutting its throat. He was sentenced to 17 months in prison which was suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation days, a six-month mental health programme and 100 hours of unpaid work.

Prosecution of wildlife criminal Tom Lloyd from Lancaster, and accomplices Steven Dixon and Jay Jones.
One man was caught on camera slashing a terrified deer’s throat
Other videos showed dogs being set upon a badger and a deer

In February 2022, Lancashire Police seized a mobile phone from Jay Jones which revealed videos showing wildlife offences and the RSPCA were called to assist.

The charity’s Special Operations Unit (SOU) worked with police who executed warrants at premises occupied by all three defendants in May 2022.

Prosecution of wildlife criminal Tom Lloyd from Lancaster, and accomplices Steven Dixon and Jay Jones.. Dogs seized from two of the men.
Two dogs of the four seized from backyard breeders Tom Lloyd and Jay Jones were pregnant

Four dogs were seized: a black lurcher called Hector and a tan and white lurcher, called Chanelle from Lloyd; and a dark brindle lurcher, called Blaze, and a grey merle lurcher, called Dixie, from Jones.

Dixie and Chanelle were both pregnant and had puppies in the RSPCA’s care.

A number of videos showed the cruelty inflicted on deer and a badger.

A written statement, presented to the court in an expert witness report said: “The videos presented have been produced in darkness with the use of a lamp to illuminate the activity of a number of lurcher type dogs pursuing and attacking deer and a badger.

“Two videos indicate a male person to have repeatedly stabbed and cut the skin of the animal’s neck causing further suffering via the mechanism of pain while already being attacked by dogs.”

Prosecution of wildlife criminal Tom Lloyd from Lancaster, and accomplices Steven Dixon and Jay Jones.

In one of the videos, Lloyd, who is filming, says: ‘Here we are lads, got a stag’, and shows a deer that has been caught being attacked by dogs.

Later in the video, one of the men can be seen holding the deer’s head while he cuts its throat with a knife.

RSPCA SOU officer Jason Bowles, who led the investigation, said, after sentencing: “We investigate some horrific cases and, sadly, see animals suffering truly gruesome acts at the hands of people.

“The videos in this case are yet another example of the barbaric torture that we regularly see being inflicted upon wildlife we should all be trying to protect and help.

“Sadly, people who enjoy these hideous pastimes continue to offend across the picturesque, rural countryside of England and Wales. “But the RSPCA will not rest in bringing people like these to justice.”

Prosecution of wildlife criminal Tom Lloyd from Lancaster, and accomplices Steven Dixon and Jay Jones.
Tom Lloyd’s feral offspring are doomed to turn out just like their evil father
Prosecution of wildlife criminal Tom Lloyd from Lancaster, and accomplices Steven Dixon and Jay Jones.

Sergeant James Pinder, who led the warrants and searches for Lancashire Police, said: “The guilty pleas in this case were entered/im after a two year-long, detailed investigation by the RSPCA and Lancashire Police’s West Division Rural Task Force. I’d firstly like to praise the thoroughness and tenacity of those investigators.

“The extremely graphic nature of the many videos recovered shocked all who worked on the case.

“I welcome the sentences imposed and hope they send a clear message to those people who would seek to commit similar offences. “I would encourage anyone with information about the illegal persecution of wildlife to report it by calling 1010, or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Blaze, Chanelle (and her nine puppies), and Dixie (plus her seven puppies) can all now be rehomed.

Hector will remain in RSPCA care subject to a further court hearing regarding his ownership.

Lancaster Guardian
LancsLive

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Morecambe, Lancashire: Michelle Joplin

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CONVICTED (2024) | Michelle Joplin aka Michelle Hines, born 1 August 1972, previously of Ganneys Meadow Road, Birkenhead, Wirral, Merseyside, and now of Marine Road West, Morecambe LA3 1BU – neglected her dog so badly she collapsed and had to be put to sleep.

Animal abuser Michelle Joplin aka Michelle Hines previously of Birkenhead, Wirral, now Morecambe, Lancashire. Image: Facebook

Joplin caused unnecessary suffering to her three-year-old bully type dog, Daisy between May 24 and June 16, 2023.

Michelle Joplin's dog Daisy in healther times. Picture: Facebook
Victim Daisy was put to sleep after being found collapsed and in immense pain

A vet found the animal in a state of collapse, with her right side “sodden with urine, and skin inflamed and sore”.

Her nails were overgrown, she was suffering with hair loss.

Attempts to move her resulted in aggression, which the vet said was a sign of pain.

Michelle Joplin left her dog to suffer in foul conditions
Joplin left the dog to suffer in foul conditions

Joplin admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal by failing to address signs of ill health.

Joplin told the court she had been “in a really bad place”.

Animal abuser Michelle Joplin aka Michelle Hines previously of Birkenhead, Wirral, now Morecambe, Lancashire. Image: Facebook

Peter Mitchell, representing the RSPCA, said it was clear Daisy had been collapsed “for an extended period” when she was finally seen by a vet.
Two other dogs in Joplin’s care – Marge and Skye – were rehomed.

Sentencing | 18-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work, alcohol treatment requirement and rehabilitation. FIVE-year ban on keeping dogs (expires January 2029).

Liverpool Echo

Dogs, Lifers, Worst of the Worst

March, Cambridgeshire: Collette Carre

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CONVICTED (2024) | Collette Carre, born c. 1966, of Acacia Grove, March PE15 8HY – failed to treat a greyhound gravely ill with a 14cm tumour that covered her snout and muzzle.

Animal abuser Collette Carre from March, Cambridgeshire
Cruel and vile Collette Carre said that financial difficulties and mental health problems prevented her from taking her dying dog to a vet

Carre pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the female greyhound type dog called Defa by failing to seek prompt veterinary care for the grapefruit-sized tumorous mass on her snout/muzzle, as well as weight loss and her poor bodily condition.

The RSPCA was alerted after Carre attended a veterinary practice to have the dog put to sleep.

Defa's owner, Collette Carre from March, Cambridgeshire, turned a blind eye to her suffering
Carre turned a blind eye to the suffering of emaciated Defa who had a huge tumour on her snout

A vet who examined Defa said in a statement that she was emaciated and had a large putrefying and necrosing tumour over her upper jaw obliterating the nostrils and there was an overpowering smell of rotting flesh and purulent discharge.

This would affect the dog’s ability to eat, drink and pant.

The examination found that she was dehydrated and hungry but was unable to eat and drink. The vet said the tumour would have been incredibly painful and estimated that she had been left to suffer for at least two months.

RSPCA Inspector Jon Knight said after the case: “We as pet owners have a responsibility to do the right thing for our animals – sadly this was not the case for poor Defa.

“It would not take any medical or veterinary expertise to see Defa was suffering and should have been taken to a vet sooner.”

In mitigation, the defendant said it was a result of mental health issues and financial difficulties.

Sentencing | 15-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months; community order with mental health treatment requirement and rehabilitation activity; £187 victim surcharge. Lifetime ban on keeping all animals.

Cambs News
Fenland Citizen

Dogs

St Austell, Cornwall: Ross Stone

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CONVICTED (2023) | Ross Jan Stone, born March 1983, of Trenance Downs, St. Austell, PL25 5RH – for cruelty to his pet lurcher.

Animal abuser: Ross Stone from St Austell, Cornwall. Image: Facebook

Stone, drug dealer once implicated in a 2012 double murder case, who was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to the tan lurcher-type dog, known as Taz, by failing to investigate and address the causes of her poor bodily condition and weight loss.

He was convicted on one count of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and one count of failing to ensure the welfare of an animal for which he was responsible.

The offences took place between June 20 and July 20, 2022, in St Austell.

It has not been reported if the dog survived.

Stone pleaded not guilty to both offences but was eventually found guilty.

Sentencing | eight-week curfew; mental health treatment; rehabilitation; costs of £1,040 and victim surcharge of £114. No mention of a ban.

Falmouth Packet

Dogs, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Stroud, Gloucestershire: Erica Tavares

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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.

Dog killer Erica Tavares from Stroud, Gloucestershire but with links to Hackney, London.

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.

Dog killer Erica Tavares from Stroud, Gloucestershire but with links to Hackney, London.

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.

Dog killer Erica Tavares from Stroud, Gloucestershire but with links to Hackney, London.

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.

Dog killer Erica Tavares from Stroud, Gloucestershire but with links to Hackney, London.

“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).

BBC News
Mirror

*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:

Dog killer Erica Tavares from Stroud, Gloucestershire but with links to Hackney, London.

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.

Cats

Looe, Cornwall: Tina Thorn

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CONVICTED (2023) | Tina Michelle Thorn, born 14 January 1978, with a temporary address of a holiday park in Polperro Road in Looe – failed to treat her cat’s facial tumour.

Cornwall woman Tina Thorn failed to take her poorly cat to the vet, instead leaving him to suffer
Tina Thorn failed to take her poorly cat to the vet, instead leaving him to suffer

The offence took place between June and August 2022 in Launceston, where Thorn caused unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, namely a black cat known as Peps, by failing to provide veterinary treatment regarding the tumour affecting the cat’s face, and she knew or ought reasonably to have known that the act would have that effect or be likely to do so.

Thorn pleaded guilty to the offence when she appeared in front of magistrates in May 2023.

It’s not known whether Peps survived.

Sentencing | community order with 20 days of rehabilitation activity and mental health treatment; costs o f£200 plus £114 victim surcharge. Deprivation order on five cats and a dog (suspended pending appeal outcome). 10-year ban on owning/keeping domestic animals.

Falmouth Packet

Animal Sanctuaries from Hell, Dogs, Serial Animal Abusers

Keyston, Cambridgeshire: Mary Howe

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CONVICTED (2022) | Mary Siobhan Howe, born December 1969, of Keyston, Huntingdon PE28 0RB – starved and neglected two rescue Belgian Malinois dogs.

Howe, founder and former director of limited company Mars & Minerva Malinois Rehoming Ltd, was convicted following a private prosecution by Jessica Sarkar, a volunteer at dog rescue New Dawn Malinois Rehoming (NDMR)

In 2019, Mary Howe put herself forward as a fosterer to NDMR following which Belgian Malinois Buddy and Monty were placed into her care on a temporary basis. A foster agreement was in place which stipulated that the dogs must not be rehomed without NDMR’s consent. After Howe fell out with NDMR she refused to return the dogs and set up her own company, Mars & Minerva Malinois Rehoming Ltd (M&M).

In April 2021, NDMR received information that M&M were renting kennel space in Bluntisham, Cambridgeshire with concerns expressed about the poor conditions. Jessica and two others decided to visit the kennels, which were described as “run-down” On arrival, they found Monty and Buddy in a weak and emaciated state, with their bones clearly visible through their coat. A vet who treated the dogs gave them each a body condition score of 1/9, the worst possible score.

One of the dogs had faeces matted into his coat. Both had been housed in a kennels that was described to have “stank of death”. Two of the witnesses broke down in tears as they spoke of the terrible condition in which they found the dogs, describing them as weak with sunken eyes. The dogs were ravenously hungry and extremely thirsty.

In the months that followed Buddy’s body condition score went from 1/5 to an “ideal” 5/9. A vet told the court that the only explanation for the improvement was a change of ownership and going from being malnourished to receiving a suitable diet.

Howe was charged with four offences: two of causing unnecessary suffering, contrary to s.4(1) AWA 2006 (failing to feed them); and two offences of breaching a duty of person responsible for animal to ensure welfare, contrary to s.9(1) AWA 2006 (relating to their weight, their housing conditions, and allowing Monty to become covered in faeces and not being given veterinary treatment).

Ultimately, without expert evidence that could rule out heart problems as the cause of Monty’s suffering, the prosecutor dropped one of the s.4(1) charges, but proceeded with the remaining three charges.

Based on the available evidence the judge was satisfied that Howe had taken responsibility for the dogs, but had not taken them to the vets or given them food of sufficient quantity or quality. Because of malnutrition, the judge determined that Buddy had suffered unnecessarily.

Sentencing | 18-month community order with 12-month mental health order and 21 days of rehabilitation; ordered to pay £6,000 towards costs. 10-year ban from owning animals, keeping or participating in keeping them, from being party to an arrangement under which she is entitled to control or influence the way in which animals are kept; or from dealing in animals.

The effect of that sentence has been stayed pending an appeal to the Crown Court. This means that the ban hasn’t yet come into force.

Advocates for Animals Solicitors

Additional Information

Howe has a previous animal cruelty conviction, from 2012, in relation to the neglect of four horses and received a community sentence and fine.

Update | December 2023

Mary Howe’s appeal was dismissed and the original sentence affirmed. She has been ordered to pay an additional £250 towards costs.

Cats, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Newtown, Powys: Jamie Bowen

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CONVICTED (2022) | Jamie Martin Bowen, born 27 April 1993, of 363 Violet Close, Newtown SY16 1HN – killed his girlfriend’s two cats by “punching them repeatedly”.


The injuries caused to Nala and Fuego by Bowen were so severe that the vet who treated them thought they could have only been caused by being hit by a vehicle.

Bowen admitted attacking the cats while “in a rage” and the court heard he had been through a period of mental health difficulties preceding the incident.

Two of Bowen’s cats. It’s not known if these are the cats that died.

One cat was already dead when Bowen and his partner took them to the veterinary practice, while the other had to be euthanised. He deemed both had been killed by blunt force trauma to the head and chest.

Bowen was said to have “become hysterical” and subsequently confessed to killing them both. He initially denied causing unnecessary suffering to the cats but later changed both pleas to guilty.

Prosecutor David Mainstone said the vet who treated Nala and Fuego became suspicious.

“The defendant and his partner had taken the two cats to Hafren Vets in Newtown, where the lead vet immediately saw one was dead, while the other was close to death,” he said.

“He spoke with the defendant and his partner to obtain consent to euthanise the cat as attempts to revive it were unsuccessful.

“The defendant said he had been struggling with his mental health and he admitted he’d killed the cats. The vet believed the cats must have been killed by being hit by a vehicle as their injuries were consistent with that sort of injury.”

He said the living cat had a fractured skull and injuries to its limbs.

Bowen later admitted he had punched the cats repeatedly in the head before calling his partner home to help him take them to the vets.

“He said he did not know why he’d done it and was not under the influence of drink or drugs at the time,” Mr Mainstone added.

“He said he had not taken his prescribed medication and this would have contributed to his actions. He said he did not intend to kill them.”

Bowen’s lawyer said his client had an “extremely gentle” side to his character. He told the court the couple have other cats, who are being cared for by the sister of Bowen’s partner.

Sentencing | eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. Community mental health treatment requirement; 20 rehabilitation days; £656 in costs and charges. Banned from owning animals for 10 years.

County Times

Additional Information

It is alleged that Bowen is a serial animal abuser and had attacked his cats on at least two previous occasions.

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Kingston upon Hull: Jake Atkin

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CONVICTED (2022) | Jake Francis Atkin, born 6 January 1998, of Chestnut Avenue, Queens Road, Hull HU5 2RH – beat a puppy unconscious and threatened to kill him.

Animal abuser Jake Atkin from Hull and his victim, Blaze
Jake Atkin claimed he had no recollection of almost beating a defencess puppy to death.

Atkin, previously of Pitt Street, west Hull, flew into a rage after the eight-week-old whippet named Blaze urinated on his leg, He then subjected the puppy to a savage beating, causing life-threatening injuries.

The steroid-addicted thug had only owned Blaze for four weeks but in that short time had already taken him to the vet twice before: once for “walking into a door” and on another occasion for “accidentally eating chocolate”.

Blaze nearly died after enduring multiple beatings at the hands of Jake Atkin from Hull

Philip Brown, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, outlined the horrific events of November 27, 2021.

He said: “That day a friend of the defendant returned Blaze to him after looking after him for a while. Later she called him and they were talking and then the phone went dead.

Animal abuser Jake Atkin from Hull
Animal abuser Jake Atkin from Hull

“She called him back and he was in an exceptionally agitated state because he said ‘the dog had p****d on his leg. She lost contact again and when she got hold of him again he was still very angry and told her that if she did not collect the puppy he would ‘kill it’.

“She went over to the defendant’s home as quickly as possible. She found the puppy unconscious and he was taken to the PDSA. The vet examined him and found he had life-threatening injuries and he remained unconscious until the next day.

“The injuries included blood to his right eye and extensive swelling to his head. The vet concluded the injuries were not caused accidentally but by blunt force trauma.”

Animal abuser Jake Atkin from Hull

Fortunately, Blaze had made a recovery but due to his very young age it is not clear whether the injuries he sustained will have a long-lasting impact.

Animal abuser Jake Atkin from Hull

Mr Brown said: “Blaze has been rehomed and is recovering from his ordeal. This was a serious situation and he suffered significant pain.

“The defendant said he had a blackout and could not explain how the animal came by its injuries. It is clear he lost all self-control. He suffers from bi-polar and was taking steroids which led to his anger issues.”

Blaze nearly died after enduring multiple beatings at the hands of Jake Atkin from Hull

Ben Hibbert, mitigating, urged magistrates to accept the recommendation of the pre-sentence report which suggested a community sentence. He said his client was not opposed to a ban on owning a dog which he accepted “was too much to take on”.

But Mr Hibbert said his client may want to own a reptile in the future and asked for the ban not to cover all animals. Thankfully, this request was declined.

Sentencing | 12-month community order with six-month mental health treatment requirement; £495 costs and surcharge. Banned from owning any animal for a minimum period of five years.

Hull Live