Tag Archives: weapon used

animal fighting / baiting, Animal Torture, deer, Dogs, hare coursing, hunting with dogs, Multiple Species, Organised Animal Crime, poaching, Serial Animal Abusers, Traveller Animal Crimes, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports, Worst of the Worst

Bransgore, New Forest: Kristen and Todd Cooper

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CONVICTED (2024) | brothers Kristen Christopher Cooper, born 2 May 1999, and Todd James Edward Cooper, born c. 1994, of 24 Westbury Close, Bransgore, Christchurch BH23 8AZ* – tortured wild animals to death and filmed their agonies.

Sadistic animal killers: brothers Kristen Cooper (left) and Todd Cooper from New Forest, Hampshire
Sadistic brothers Kristen Cooper (left) and Todd Cooper

Career criminal brothers Kristen and Todd Cooper, who are gypsies, made a series of sick videos showing hares and deer being abused and mutilated.

During one depraved incident, the pair mutilated the genitalia of a deer – to the extent that officials could not tell if the animal was male and female – and stabbed another in the eye on camera, causing an ‘extreme level of suffering’.

In another twisted video they held a hare by his head and encouraged a dog to bite him.

Sadistic animal killer: Kristen Cooper from New Forest, Hampshire

A vet reviewing the videos as part of the investigation described the footage, filmed in 2021 and 2022, as the “worst case of animal abuse” he had seen in his 24-year career.

“These images will stay with me forever,” he said.

Sadistic animal killer: Todd Cooper from New Forest, Hampshire

Other videos showed deer being dragged by their antlers having appeared to have suffered spinal injuries from possibly being hit by a car, with one piece of footage showing a man raising a wooden object above a helpless deer’s head as if he was going to strike it.

The brothers were caught after police seized a phone containing the shocking videos.

Sadistic animal killer: Kristen Cooper from New Forest, Hampshire

Kristen Cooper was charged with seven counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal with Todd Cooper being accused of one count.

But after appearing at the crown court for these offences and being released on bail, just days later the pair were apprehended again after attacking a mother and her son outside a Co-Op in Betsy Lane in Bransgore on March 4, 2023.

In a video shown in court, the pair can be seen with a third unknown man, ramming another car before getting out and attacking the vehicle with a catapult, a crowbar and a baseball bat.

The victims of the attack later gave evidence at trial with the mother saying she “genuinely believed they wanted to kill us”.

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutor Stuart Ellacott said the animal abuse was “sadistic” adding that the animals were in “distress and suffering”.

Sadistic animal killer: Kristen Cooper from New Forest, Hampshire

Aleks Lloyd, defending Kristen – who has eight convictions for ten offences – said this is the first time his client has been in custody adding that he “appears to be getting his head down and getting on with it”.

Ruba Huleihel defending Todd, who has 24 convictions for 52 offences, said her client has ADHD and was exposed to violence from a very young age.

Sadistic animal killer: Todd Cooper from New Forest, Hampshire

Judge Peter Henry sentenced the pair for a variety of offences committed in the New Forest and in Dorset, including actual bodily harm, criminal damage and threatening a person with an offensive weapon.

He said: “One would have thought that both of you being brought up in the New Forest you would have had more respect for such defenceless creatures.

“It was being filmed, other people were present and other people seemed to find it all very amusing.”

Both men were given restraining orders banning them from ever contacting the mother and son they attacked ever again.

This image shows the Cooper brothers and an as yet unidentified accomplice participating in hare coursing, a cruel sport in which dogs are tested on their ability to run, overtake and turn a hare

Police Constable Sebastian Haggett, of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team – who led the case alongside Hampshire police – said after the sentencing: “These are without doubt some of the most horrifying offences I have ever investigated.”

Angharad Thomas, Senior Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, said: “The level of cruelty displayed in this case is beyond comprehension and the brothers showed an inexplicable disregard for the welfare of these animals peacefully existing in the wild.

“An expert witness for the prosecution described the actions of Kristen and Todd Cooper as the worst case of animal abuse they had ever come across in their 24-year veterinary career.

“The CPS welcomes today’s sentence and hopes it sends a clear message that we will continue to work with the police to bring offenders of these disturbing crimes to justice.”

Sentencing |
Kristen Cooper: jailed for five years; 10-year criminal behaviour order. Banned from owning a dog for ten years.
Todd Cooper- jailed for three years and eight months.

Daily Echo
Dorset Police
Daily Mail

*alternative addresses per newspaper reports |

Kristen Cooper: Whitelands, Bransgore BH23 8DY
Todd Cooper: Jubilee Court, Sway, Lymington SO41 6HA

Food Production, livestock hauliers

Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire / Pocklington, East Riding of Yorkshire: Andrew Marwood and Lee Pearcy

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CONVICTED (2023) | Andrew Marwood, born 4 August 1995, of Manor Close, Kirkbymoorside YO62 6EP and Lee Pearcy of The Mile, Pocklington, York YO42 – for sickening violence towards a terrified pig.

Animal abuser Andrew Marwood from Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire
Andrew Marwood kept his job with the unnamed pig production company despite being filmed assaulting a helpless pig

Marwood and Pearcy, employees of an unnamed Holderness pig production company, were fined for animal welfare offences.

Driver Marwood and fieldsman Pearcy pleaded guilty to offences under animal transport legislation for using violence likely to cause unnecessary fear, injury or suffering and for using prohibited handling techniques when loading pigs for transport.

The court heard how animal health officers from East Riding Council undertook an investigation after video footage of pigs being loaded onto a lorry at a farm in Wyton, Holderness, on April 24, 2023, was received from a member of the public.

The video showed Marwood lifting a pig, who was reluctant to load, by the tail and hitting her with a pig board (a board used to guide pigs when moving them). When the pig still refused to load onto the lorry, she was then hit on multiple occasions with a pig board by Pearcy.

The investigation found the pig company had apparently provided extensive training on the correct methods for handling and moving pigs.

Following internal disciplinary hearings, Pearcy was dismissed while Marwood was transferred into a driving role which does not involve handling livestock.

Sentencing | Marwood was fined £480 and £800 costs with a £192 victim surcharge and Pearcy was fined £384 and £800 costs with a £154 victim surcharge.

HullLive
Yorkshire Post

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.

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

Craigend, North East Glasgow: Michael Frati

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CONVICTED (2023) | Michael Frati, born c. 1995, of Craigend, City of Glasgow – killed a tiny chihuahua by striking her with a hatchet.

Dog killer Michael Frati from Craigend, Glasgow, Scotland

Frati attacked the chihuahua named Ruby at a property in Ruchazie in the north east of Glasgow, on 5 August 2023.

He was convicted at Glasgow Sheriff Court of causing the dog unnecessary suffering. He also behaved in a threatening or abusive manner at the same time and place.

Sheriff Patrick Hughes said it was a particularly sad matter due to Frati’s friendship with the dog’s owner, Janet Collins.

Sheriff Hughes said: “She played an almost maternal role in your life.

“This was the worst incident of animal cruelty I have seen, particularly in a summary court.

The charge said Frati knew or ought to have known that his actions would have caused suffering.

It is stated that he struck Ruby on the head with a hatchet which caused her death.

Sheriff Hughes added the dog had suffered from an “unprovoked incident”.

He said: “Miss Collins suffered from seeing it and seeing it done by you which is hurtful.

“It seems to me that you pose a significant risk to the public and this incident is an escalation.”

Peter Malone, defending, told the sentencing hearing that Ms Collins had tried to help Frati with his addiction issues and he had been living with her.

Sentencing | 12-month custodial. No ban.

BBC News

Additional Information

Frati was cleared in 2019 of two murder bid shootings within a month after the charges against him were dropped.

He denied shooting Robert McCann at a house in Tollcross as well as Brian McGloin at his home in Shettleston.

Mr McCann said he was shot in the head in his friend Christopher Lynch’s home, but remembered nothing after hearing someone at the front door and walking out of the kitchen into the hallway.

He woke up days later in hospital. In court he said he was unable to identify the gunman.

Mr McGloin who was shot three times and slashed on the face, also said in court he was unable to identify the shooter.

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

Basingstoke, Hampshire: Edward Ade

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CONVICTED (2023) | Edward Ade, born 25 June 2004, of 178 Gershwin Road, Basingstoke RG22 4HL – filmed himself attacking a bleeding dog as she cowered away from him

The dog belonging to Basingstoke man Edward Ade had a broken spine and jaw and injuries inflicted using sharp objects
Edward Ade’s dog Fendi had a broken spine and jaw and injuries inflicted using sharp objects

Ade pleaded guilty to an animal cruelty offence, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

RSPCA inspector Josephine Story, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, was on duty on February 17, 2023, when she received a call that highlighted a video relating to the abuse of a black and tan Doberman named Fendi.

Inspector Story said: “I was horrified by the look of terror on the dog’s face and by its behaviour indicating extreme stress. Having been verbally abused she was then hit at the end of the video.”

The short clip shows the terrified dog standing in a small space surrounded by three walls with blood on the wall behind her. She is pressed against the wall with her head down and doesn’t move during the recording.

The footage then zooms in on her head and back. Open wounds can be seen on both which are wet with blood.

Ade can be heard talking throughout, saying: “Had to pat on this b*tch, bust her head, bust her back. Yeah have you got anything else to say, you want to try and bite me still? Go on bite me, you b*tch, you b*tch.”

The dog belonging to Basingstoke man Edward Ade had a broken spine and jaw and injuries inflicted using sharp objects

Inspector Story was joined by police when she visited Ade’s home to take the dog into immediate possession.

Vet Dr David Martin described how there must have been at least two severe beatings to her head, back, jaw and skin for between three and 14 days before Fendi was seized.

He said some injuries had been inflicted using sharp objects.

He said the dog would have experienced extreme pain and distress trying to eat with a broken jaw or walk with a broken spine.

Dr Martin said the fractures would have been immediately apparent to Ade when they occurred as they would have caused severe distress to Fendi and required substantial force to cause.

The report added that these are the sort of injuries normally seen in dogs that have been run over by a car.

Fendi, who has since been renamed, has now recovered and found a happy new home.

Sentencing | jailed for 26 weeks; £200 costs. Banned from keeping animals for life.

Basingstoke Gazette

Dogs, Lifers, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Flitwick, Bedfordshire: Cameron Fisher

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CONVICTED (2023) | Cameron Fisher, born c. 2000, of Greenways, Flitwick MK45 1DA – hit a dog with a bat.

Cane Corso Bluey was terrorised by her evil owner, Cameron Fisher from Flitwick, Beds
Cane Corso Bluey was terrorised by her evil owner, Cameron Fisher from Flitwick, Beds

Fisher pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a Cane Corso type female dog called Bluey after hitting her with the bat.

The court was shown a video of the defendant with what looked like a small or child’s baseball bat hitting down left handed next to a dog training crate immediately followed by a dog yelping. While the incident is obscured by a fence, it is believed the dog was struck with the bat with some force causing the dog to yelp for an extended period of time.

The man can be heard speaking on the video and, among other things, says to the dog “What you f**** keep moving for”

Fisher was arrested by the police and Bluey was seized in September 2022

RSPCA Inspector Jon Knight took over the animal welfare investigation.

Bluey was taken to a vet for examination where it was found she was around 5kgs underweight and her forelimbs were a little overloaded possibly due to lack of exercise. She was prescribed flea and worm treatments

A vet who was asked to view the footage said in a report there was “deliberate and repeated verbal and physical abuse of the dog. There is strong evidence of the dog cowering and being very frightened in the presence of the owner/keeper.”

Speaking after the case inspector Knight said: “I am so pleased that we were able to help Bluey and that she can now live the rest of her life without fear and we are grateful to everyone involved with this case. This incident highlights that it is never acceptable to physically abuse your dog.”

Bluey was successfully rehomed by the RSPCA.

Sentencing | 12 month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work and 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement of 20 days; costs of £1,000. Lifetime ban on keeping all animals.

Bedford Today

Animal Torture, Equine Abuse, horses and ponies, Lifers, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Beeston, Leeds: Luke Ward

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CONVICTED (2023) | Luke Keith Ward, born 13 November 1985, of Upper Woodview Terrace, Beeston, Leeds LS11 6JZ – stabbed and slashed horses in a field and tried to strangle one of them.

Sadistic Ward’s vicious attack on the defenceless horses took place at a farm off Hall Lane in Farnley, Leeds, around July 15, 2022,

Ward attacked one pony and three horses in total.

One was found with slash wounds across her throat and had also been stabbed in the neck. An elderly pony had a shoelace tied around his neck in an apparent strangulation attempt.

The injuries included deep cuts and slashes to the neck and face. The horses were left covered in blood and scarred.

A blood-stained knife with an 8-inch blade was found at the scene and forensic analysis found Ward’s DNA on it.

When Ward, who had lived opposite the farm at the time of the incident, was interviewed about the offences, he initially denied being involved.

He was subsequently charged with four offences of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and pleaded guilty during an earlier court appearance.  

Judge Simon Phillips KC, sitting at Leeds Crown Court, described Ward’s actions as ‘sadistic’ and said they had caused distress to the animals and their owners.

He said the owners had also faced vets bills running into hundreds of pounds.

The horse yard had increased security and had installed a £1,000 CCTV system.

PC Rachel Harrison, of Leeds West Patrol Team 3, who investigated the offences, said: “Ward targeted these defenceless animals and caused serious injuries to them which left them in significant pain and distress.

“He has not explained his actions and we can only assume that he derived some sense of satisfaction from inflicting these injuries on them. As well as the pain and distress caused to the horses, these incidents also caused upset to the owners and understandable concern in the local community.

“When he was interviewed, Ward denied the offences and said that he had grown up with horses and would never hurt any animal, but the forensic evidence linked him to the scene and resulted in his guilty pleas.

“We hope it will provide some reassurance to the victims and to the wider community to know that he has now had to answer for his actions.”

Sentencing | 45 months in prison. Banned from keeping or owning any animal for life.

LeedsLive

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Consett, County Durham: Christopher Smith

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CONVICTED (2023) | Christopher Smith, known as Chrissy Smith, born 30 September 1990, of Rutland Place, Consett DH8 8EE – filmed subjecting a seven-month-old puppy to a five-minute beating.

Violent dog abuser Christopher Smith from Consett, County Durham. Picture: Facebook

Smith claimed he was drunk when he carried out the five-minute attack on the young pocket bully-type dog, Lazarus, who was seen cowering and trying to pull away.

Smith was prosecuted by the RSPCA after the charity was sent a video of the incident which had been filmed by distressed members of the public on a mobile phone in March 2023.

In court, Smith admitted inflicting blunt force trauma on the dog.

In the upsetting footage, the puppy is seen trying to pull away and cowers down before Smith lifts his arms and heavily hits the dog on the back and shoulders with an unknown object.

As the dog continues to try to get away, a loud slapping noise – inflicted with some force – can be heard from where the incident is being filmed.

Following an investigation, Smith was visited at his home on April 4 by RSPCA inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws.

Pocket bully puppy Lazarus endured a 5-minute beating by Consett man Christopher Smith. Image: RSPCA

In her evidence to the court Inspector Keogh-Laws said Smith told her he had been drunk and lost his temper.

She continued: “The dog was friendly and boisterous around me but appeared to be hand shy of Christopher Smith. He confirmed he owned Lazarus and that he had not seen a vet since the incident or while in his care at all.”

Smith gave permission for the inspector to take Lazarus to be examined by a vet. He was also advised to remove hazardous items from his kitchen and stairs, but declined to voluntarily sign the dog over into the care of the RSPCA.

The video was shown to a vet who examined Lazarus later that day. He said it was his opinion that the puppy had been caused to suffer as a result of the attack, and he was taken into police possession under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The puppy was put on pain relief for three days, but thankfully appeared to have no long-term injuries.

Pocket bully puppy Lazarus endured a 5-minute beating by Consett man Christopher Smith. Image: RSPCA

In his statement to the court, the vet said: “In my opinion Lazarus had been caused to suffer by the mechanism of injury due to physical attack during the period caught on camera (approximately five minutes).

“The need for protection from pain, suffering and injury was not met by the intentional attack by the owner whilst under his care.

“The suffering was avoidable had the owner treated his dog with care and kindness as required. The suffering was moderately intense, and if the area of contact was a more vulnerable area, for example his face, the damage could have been life threatening from this type of weapon and level of force.

“The fear experienced at the time of the attack would impact his feeling of safety and a stress free existence in the future if he remained with the owner.”

Violent dog abuser Christopher Smith from Consett, County Durham. Picture: Facebook

Speaking after the conclusion of the case, inspector Keogh-Laws, said: “Smith inflicted appalling and totally unnecessary violence on this young dog.

“Members of the public were equally concerned by what they witnessed and we’d like to thank them for providing us with the footage which has ensured Smith has been held to account for his actions.”

Lazarus is still in RSPCA care, he is doing well and will be rehomed by the charity.

Sentencing | 12-month community order with 20 days of rehabilitation; £80 fine. Banned from keeping dogs for five years but can appeal after just two years (expires September 2028).

Northern Echo

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Harrow, London: Vasile Baltatu

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CONVICTED (2023) | Vasile-Alin Baltatu, born April 1990, of 29 Hawkins Close, Harrow HA1 4DJ – caught on a doorbell camera hitting his pet dog with a plastic shoehorn.

Nero was subjected to violence by his owner - Romanian national Vasile Baltatu from Harrow, London
Victim Nero

Video evidence showed Romanian construction worker Baltatu chasing the brindle and white bulldog with a blunt instrument on December 8, 2022 then repeatedly striking him with it.

The dog, Nero, can be seen cowering under a vehicle and heard yelping in pain.

Baltatu can be heard yelling “I’ll get you tomorrow!” at him.

RSPCA inspector Mike Beaman signed Nero over to the charity when he visited Baltatu’s house on January 5, 2023.

In court, Baltatu pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog following a successful investigation by the RSPCA.

On viewing the footage, a vet said: “There is nothing in the video to explain or legitimise this use of force against the dog from a veterinary perspective.

“The translated transcript of the video shows that the owner is using threats and expletives against the dog, and the phrase ‘I’ll get you tomorrow!’ makes me concerned that this dog would continue to face violence and harm had it stayed with the owner.

“It is clear from the transcript that the suffering he is inflicting is disproportionate and seems to be driven by malice.

“The brutality with which the man beats the dog means this is one of the more extreme and unpleasant pieces of evidence I have examined as an RSPCA witness. I have very grave concerns about this man’s ability to care for animals in the future.”

Nero was subjected to violence by his owner - Romanian national Vasile Baltatu from Harrow, London

Speaking about the case, RSPCA Inspector Mike Beaman said: “The defendant’s behaviour towards his pet was totally unacceptable and disproportionate.

“Poor Nero couldn’t escape and was clearly terrified. We’re grateful to the person who contacted us with this footage so we could ensure Mr Baltatu was held to account.”

Nero has made a full recovery and has been successfully rehomed by the RSPCA.

Sentencing | 18-month community order with 20 days of rehabilitation activities; 150 hours of unpaid work; £500 in costs. A 10-year ban on keeping dogs.

This is Local London
Harrow Times

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

Binstead, Isle of Wight: Michael Orton

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CONVICTED (2023) | Michael Lee Orton, born c. 1963, of 8 Newnham Road, Binstead, Ryde PO33 3TD – slashed his dog’s neck with a craft knife causing fatal injuries.

Isle of Wight man Michael Orton, commonly known as Lee, received a community order for killing the family dog and slashing his wife Helen Orton's face and throat
Michael Orton, who goes by the first name Lee, received a community order for killing the family dog and slashing his wife Helen Orton’s face and throat

The Akita, known as Kora, died from blood loss after being stabbed by Orton during a domestic meltdown on 20 June 2022 in which his wife, Helen Orton, was also attacked. Orton then slashed his own neck.

Police were alerted after Helen Orton fled the property covered in blood and flagged down a passing Morrisons van.

Emergency services arrived at the scene a short time

Orton had sliced an artery and suffered ‘catastrophic blood loss’. He required a blood transfusion at hospital, and it was later apparent that he had suffered a right-sided stroke – which resulted in a loss of mental capacity.

Helen Orton suffered multiple knife wounds in the attack, including a large slash wound to her throat, a deep slash wound to her jaw described as being ‘well into subcutaneous fat’, several less serious wounds to her head and face and bruising to her back. Whilst attacking his wife, Orton had said “why don’t you die”.

Isle of Wight man Michael Orton, commonly known as Lee, received a community order for killing the family dog and slashing his wife Helen Orton's face and throat
It was concluded that Orton was too unwell to stand trial. His wife is standing by him

Police officers also attempted to save Kora, dressing her neck wound as she struggled for breath and arranging for an emergency vet to prepare for surgery. But as she was carried towards the police van ahead of a blue light run to the practice, she passed away – around 45 minutes after being stabbed.

Lee Orton spent some four months in hospital before being released and put before the courts.

Helen Orton has stood by her husband since the incident, visiting him in hospital and withdrawing a statement she provided to the police investigating the attack.

A three-day fact-finding hearing held at Salisbury Crown Court in April 2023 saw a jury unanimously conclude that Michael Orton – commonly known as Lee – committed the act of attempted murder and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Judge Timothy Mousley handed him a two-year community supervision order.

Island Echo