BEN JOHNSON OF BRIDLINGTON SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL ABUSE IN HULL

Benjamin William Johnson, born 17 January 1998, of 52 Gypsey Road, Bridlington YO16 4AZ, was convicted in 2022 of severe animal cruelty after neglecting a dog named Jess. The greyhound-type dog was starved to the point of extreme emaciation, leading to her being euthanized. Johnson, described as a traveller with prior convictions for horse cruelty, showed a lack of concern as Jess’s condition worsened, effectively "burying his head in the sand," according to reports.

He admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Jess by neglecting to investigate or treat her poor health. Jess’s weight had fallen dramatically from 24kg to just over 10kg. It was later discovered she had a cancerous mass affecting her throat, and it was decided she was suffering and should be put to sleep. Evidence indicated she had endured weeks to one or two months of suffering, with very little body fat remaining.

Johnson later acknowledged that he knew Jess had been losing weight over a period of about six months but did not seek veterinary assistance. Robert Vining, representing Johnson, commented, "He buried his head in the sand. The dog was losing weight. He had pressures on him in other fields." Vining also stated that Johnson, who was unemployed and receiving benefits, was experiencing "galloping inertia" at the time.

Following the court's sentence, Johnson, who had expressed fear of imprisonment, commented lightheartedly, "I’m going home? Thanks!" The court also noted that Johnson has another dog, which is reportedly owned by his partner, Courtney Smith.

The sentence included a 12-week suspended prison sentence, 100 hours of unpaid work, 20 days of rehabilitation, and ordered him to pay £144 in costs plus a victim surcharge. Additionally, Johnson is banned from owning, caring for, or working with animals for five years, with a minimum three-year period before any application to lift the ban can be made. An order was also issued requiring him to cover the RSPCA’s costs of £4,070, which include veterinary expenses, to be paid from central funds.