Dog cruelty sentence has set down marker

Judge Piers Grant did not exaggerate when he described as barbaric the behaviour of a man who butchered and cooked a dog to feed to his own pet. It is difficult to imagine a more blatant act of cruelty, and many will also agree with Mr Grantthatitwouldbeeasyto judge the offence as bizarre and indicative of mental illness.

What the defendant did was beyond the Pale, and it was heartening to see that the judge imposed what was a severe sentence of two years in jail, with another two on licence.

Judges, of course, have to abide by sentencing guidelines, and while some lay people would be tempted to say “throw away the key” in cases like this, that is not how justice operates.

This newspaper has campaigned for tougher sentences for those found guilty of animal cruelty. Not only have the tariffs been increased, but, in this case, the judge is using his discretion to reinforce the message that offenders can expect appropriate punishment for their evil acts.

This sort of cruelty is a cowardly crime, abusing defenceless animals and causing them unnecessary suffering. No matter what the creature, it is to be deplored, but canines have earned the right to be called man’s best friend.

From guide dogs who help the blind and partially sighted lead mobile lives to little companion pets who may be an elderly person’s only friend, they enrich people’s lives and seek very little in return except food and kindness. Who could deny them that?

Compare the treatment of this unfortunate dog to the efforts so many people make to ensure that injured or abandoned pets or wild animals are given the chance of a new and better life.

Ourstoryofthetwoseals who were nursed back to health at the Exploris Aquarium before being returned to the wild yesterday is a glowing example of the caring nature of most people here.

So, too, is the growth of rescue centres, sanctuaries and public donations to pet charities.

Many people give freely of their time and their resources to ensure that unloved animals get the care and attention and, hopefully, new homes that they need.

They do it out of the goodness of their hearts, not for any gain other than the satisfaction of helping. Sadly, cruelty can also reside in some hearts. But, importantly, the courts can now dispense appropriate redress.