CHRISTEN BOOTH FROM WITHERNSEA SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY AND DANGEROUS DOG BREEDING

Christen Lee Booth, born on August 20, 1994, and most recently residing on Southfield Avenue in Withernsea, faced serious legal consequences after a series of disturbing incidents involving his dog, Pebbles. The events unfolded when Booth, in an attempt to 'control' his dog, bit the pitbull terrier-type animal, an act that drew the attention of animal welfare authorities and law enforcement officials.

According to reports, Booth claimed that his dog had been attacked by a fox during a woodland walk. He explained to RSPCA inspectors that following this attack, Pebbles, whom he had cared for for 18 months, became increasingly aggressive towards him and others around her. However, inconsistencies in Booth’s account prompted further investigation, leading to the police being called to his residence on July 18, 2015, after a tip-off.

Richard Brown, a police officer involved in the case, recounted that upon arrival, officers observed a dog with multiple fresh wounds, blood visible on its face, and patches of very thin hair revealing bright pink skin underneath. The dog was found cowering and shivering inside a basket, clearly distressed. Booth’s explanations for the injuries did not align with what the officers observed, raising suspicions about the circumstances surrounding Pebbles’ condition.

With Booth’s consent, the dog was taken to a veterinary clinic for examination and treatment. The veterinarian diagnosed her with ulcers, inflammation in both eyes, scalding injuries, and cuts. Additionally, it was discovered that a caustic substance had been applied to her coat, although Booth was unable to provide any explanation for this act. The vet’s assessment concluded that Pebbles was a banned breed under section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act, a classification that carries significant legal restrictions.

Given the severity of her injuries and her breed status, the veterinarian and authorities decided that euthanasia was in Pebbles’ best interest. Booth did not oppose this decision, and the dog was humanely put down. The case was prosecuted on the grounds of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, a violation of section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

During police interviews, Booth admitted that his concern about Pebbles’ aggressive behavior had increased after the fox attack. He revealed that he had witnessed the dog pinning his brother and girlfriend to the ground, and that he himself had been attacked, suffering puncture wounds to his face. In an effort to manage Pebbles’ rage, Booth confessed to taking drastic measures, including biting the dog himself and inserting a shower hose into her mouth to subdue her.

Booth also claimed that he had sought medical advice for Pebbles following her injuries from the fox attack and was told to disinfect her wounds. He stated that he used Lynx shower gel to clean her injuries, a practice that raised further concerns about her treatment.

In mitigation, Richard Drew highlighted that Booth, who suffers from ADHD, provided what was described as the most candid and open interview with investigators. Despite his mental health condition, Booth’s cooperation was noted as significant in the case.

Ultimately, Booth was ordered to pay total costs and charges amounting to £770. He was also sentenced to 20 days of rehabilitation. Additionally, he was banned from owning, caring for, or keeping dogs for a period of seven years, a ban that expired in February 2023. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the dangers posed by irresponsible ownership and handling of potentially dangerous breeds.