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Saturday, 19 October 2019

Somerset Man Jailed for Kicking Border Collie to Death



Carl Steven Athey, 28, of Dorset Close, Frome, denied two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, but was convicted at his recent trial at Bath Magistrates' Court. He was sentenced to 20 weeks' custody at a hearing on 16th October 2019.

Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal is an offence under section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. It is a summary only matter, which has a maximum penalty of 26 weeks' custody and/or an unlimited fine.

Gracie the 4-year-old border collie was presented to vets after a second beating at the hands of Athey. She was in an unresponsive and comatose state, which resulted in the vets reporting the matter to the RSPCA.

Gracie sadly died of her injuries. A post-mortem examination revealed that she had several fractured ribs, liver damage and head and neck injuries consistent with blunt force trauma and strangulation.


Athey denied responsibility for Gracie's injuries, claiming on the first occasion that he had tripped while holding a shopping bag while failing to provide any explanation for her severe injuries on the second.

He did admit to being the only person in the house at the time of Gracie's injuries.

RSPCA Inspector Miranda Albinson, who investigated for the charity, said: "This saddening case involved a defenceless dog who lost her life because of the series of serious injuries that had been caused by Athey.

"The veterinary reports and the post-mortem exposed the deliberate ill-treatment which tragically led to her death.

"There is never an excuse for harming an animal or for failing to treat an animal with the kindness and respect they deserve."

Athey was banned from keeping animals for life, ordered to pay £750 towards prosecution costs and £115 victim surcharge.

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