Man threw dog down stairs and stamped on her
PET CHIHUAHUA HAD ‘HORRIFIC’ INJURIES BUT HAS SURVIVED, NOW HER OWNER HAS BEEN BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS –
A BURTON man threw his pet chihuahua downstairs and stamped on her back, causing “horrific” injuries.
Kierien Lee Harrison, of West Street, Winshill, inflicted so much pain onto his dog Misty that her injuries were consistent with that of car crash victim, a vet said.
The 29-year-old has now been banned from keeping animals for life after admitting an animal welfare offence of causing unnecessary suffering to the dog when he appeared before Southern Derbyshire magistrates.
The court heard how the RSPCA was called to investigate the dog’s injuries by Staffordshire Police who had arrested Harrison for other matters on May 9, 2019.
When he was arrested a witness told police that Harrison had thrown his pet down the stairs of his home and stamped on her back. Harrison, however, denied this.
RSPCA inspector Kate Levesley took Misty to a nearby vet’s for examination and it was found she had suffered a catalogue of injuries.
Misty was found with severe injuries to the pelvis, making it difficult for her to urinate and defecate. She had a fractured tooth, missing teeth and a mark/ trauma to the right hand side of her body.
The vet was informed the dog had sustained a pelvic injury approximately a month before by another vet. Harrison had told the vet at the time Misty had fallen from a bed and had become lame.
X-rays showed that her injuries had become worse. Misty was given medication and had to have cage rest for two months before going to a foster home to recuperate.
The vet’s report stated: “It is clear from a clinical examination and X-rays that Misty has been subjected to repeated injuries. She has had at least two separate injuries to her teeth as well as two clearly separate injuries to her pelvis.
“These injuries require considerable force and are typically seen following high falls or road traffic accidents. Certainly I do not believe the initial injury in April could have been sustained from a fall off a bed or sofa.
“Unfortunately it is entirely possible the injuries were as a result of physical trauma from a person. She has been left with permanent damage to her teeth and pelvis, though, and the latter is likely to cause severe arthritis later in life.
“As a result I suspect she will need lifelong medication and treatment.”
The RSPCA has now rehomed Misty and she is enjoying life with her new owners, said a spokesman.
Inspector Levesley said: “Misty’s injuries were horrific and she was understandably nervous around people and scared.
“But she has made great progress and is coping with her damaged pelvis remarkably well. I am happy to see that she has been rehomed and is enjoying life now - she is certainly getting lots of attention and love.”
Harrison was given an 18-week jail sentence, suspended for two years. He was also banned from owning pets for an indefinite period and ordered to pay £600 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.
In mitigation the court heard Harrison suffered from autism. But in passing sentence the magistrate said: “This is a shocking case. I have no doubt about the suffering caused and have found it difficult to step back from immediate custody.”