CONVICTED (2016) | Christen Lee Booth, born 20/08/1994, most recently of Southfield Avenue, Withernsea HU19 2UE – bit a pitbull terrier-type dog in a bid to “control” her.

Booth told RSPCA inspectors his dog had been attacked by a fox while they were on a woodland walk.  He claimed Pebbles, whom he had for 18 months, became aggressive towards him and others following the attack.

Richard Brown said police, responding to a tip-off, visited Booth’s address on July 18, 2015.

“The officer describes seeing a dog with a number of fresh looking wounds, with blood on its face,” said Mr Brown.

“The hair on its body was very thin and bright pink skin was showing underneath.

“It was cowering and shivering in its basket.”

Booth offered “inconsistencies” in his version of events surrounding the fox attack, which led to the RSPCA being called.

With the owner’s consent, Pebbles was taken to a veterinary surgery for treatment. She was suffering from ulcers and inflammation to both eyes, scalding and cuts. It was the view of the vet that “a caustic substance” had also been applied to her coat. Booth was unable to provide an explanation for this.

“An experienced vet came to the conclusion that Pebbles was a banned breed, which falls within section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act,” said the prosecutor.

“Taking that fact and the injuries into account, the decision was taken that it was in the best interests of the dog to euthanise it. The owner had no objections.”

Booth admitted two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, contrary to section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

During interview, Booth told inspectors that he had become concerned about Pebbles’ aggressive demeanour following the fox attack.

“He had found the dog pinning his brother and girlfriend to the floor,” said Mr Brown. “He himself had been attacked, causing puncture wounds to his face.”

Mr Brown then described how Booth had admitted taking matters into his own hands in a bid to calm Pebbles’ rage.

“He decided the best way was to bite the dog and he had been fighting it,” said Mr Brown.

“He also admitted inserting a shower hose into its mouth.”

Booth insisted he had sought medical attention for Pebbles after the fox attack and had been advised to use disinfectant on the numerous injuries.

“He said he was using Lynx shower gel to clean those wounds,” said Mr Brown.

Richard Drew, mitigating, said Booth, who suffers from the behavioural disorder ADHD, had given “the most candid and open” interview to investigators that he had ever heard.

[Original source: Hull Daily Mail – article removed].

Sentencing:
Total costs and charges of £770.  20 days’ rehabilitation. Banned from owning, looking after, or keeping dogs for seven years (expired February 2023).