A Teesside man has been jailed for inflicting horrendous injuries that led to the death of a puppy.
James Wright-King (otherwise known as James King), 24, of Darwen Court, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, was convicted of three offences of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal at a trial at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 14th September 2021.
Jasmine Lee Smith, 20, of Raydale, Hemlington, Middlesbrough, was convicted of two offences of failing to ensure the welfare of an animal.
Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal is an offence under section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. It has a maximum penalty of 26 weeks' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction.
Failing to ensure the welfare of an animal is an offence under section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. It also has a maximum penalty of 26 weeks' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction.
Both were back at Teesside Magistrates' Court for sentencing on Wednesday, 10th November 2021.
Magistrates heard that the charges against the duo were in relation to the injuries sustained and the consequential death of a pug puppy named Ruby.
The three offences committed by Wright-King were:
- On or about Monday, 24th August 2020 he inflicted a non-accidental injury on Ruby resulting in a burn to her back;
- On Saturday, 10th October 2020 he inflicted a non-accidental injury on Ruby resulting in an injury to her right hind leg;
- On or about Tuesday, 17th November 2020 he inflicted a non-accidental injury on Ruby resulting in a fractured skull and other multiple serious injuries.
Magistrates heard that the final offence resulted in the death of Ruby.
A short time later Wright-King took Ruby's lifeless body to a veterinary surgeon and claimed to have accidentally fallen on top of her.
The vet was immediately suspicious and reported Ruby's injuries to the RSPCA for investigation.
A post-mortem examination revealed truly horrific injuries over a sustained period of time. As a dog lover I cannot bear to describe those injuries or how they were inflicted, but suffice to say that every day of Ruby's tragically short life must have been filled with terror and absolute agony.
The court accepted that Smith, who was Wright-King's girlfriend at the time, did not reside with him and Ruby. However, she was aware that Ruby had been injured and failed in her responsibility of ensuring the puppy received veterinary care.
Magistrates described this as "one of the most serious animal cruelty cases we have ever come across".
Wright-King was sentenced to 26 weeks' immediate custody.
He was also ordered to pay £600 towards prosecution costs and £128 surcharge.
Magistrates also imposed an order banning him from keeping animals for life, which he cannot appeal for a period of 25 years.
Smith was handed an 18 month community order, with 150 hours unpaid work requirement and up to 10 days' rehabilitation activity requirement.
She was also ordered to pay £600 towards prosecution costs and £90 surcharge.
Magistrates made an order banning her from keeping animals for 10 years, which she cannot appeal for a period 5 years.
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