ALBERT STEPHENSON'S CRUELTY IN EALING: GERMAN SHEPHERD SHADOW SUFFERED ABUSE

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Albert Stephenson, a resident of Chandos Avenue in Ealing, London W5, was found guilty of subjecting his German Shepherd, Shadow, to repeated acts of violence and neglect. The incident came to light after multiple witnesses reported seeing Stephenson physically abusing the dog on several occasions near his home.

Shadow, a three-year-old male German Shepherd, endured a series of harsh treatments at the hands of his owner, including being yanked, kicked, and hit during walks along the streets of Ealing. Witnesses observed Stephenson losing his temper frequently, often shouting at the dog and physically assaulting him. The dog was previously known by the nickname ‘Oi Dog,’ but was later renamed Shadow.

The RSPCA was alerted to the situation in May 2014 after a concerned bystander reported seeing the dog being subjected to physical trauma. Following this initial report, additional witnesses came forward, corroborating the accounts of abuse. They described how Stephenson’s anger often manifested in violent actions towards Shadow, including hitting, kicking, yanking on the lead, and even whipping the dog with his lead. These reports painted a picture of a dog living in a state of constant fear and misery.

RSPCA inspector Mike Beaman commented on the case, stating, “Poor Shadow was the victim of regular abuse. People saw him being hit, kicked, shouted at, yanked with his lead, and even whipped by his lead. It must have been a miserable existence. Owning a dog is a responsibility and a privilege, and this animal was simply not treated with the kindness he deserves.”

Albert Stephenson pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences on 9 January 2015. As a result of his conviction, he was ordered to pay a total of £870 in costs and fines. Additionally, he was banned from owning any dogs for a period of one year, a ban that expired in 2016. The case highlighted the importance of animal welfare and the need for strict enforcement of laws protecting animals from cruelty and neglect in the Ealing area and beyond.