CRAG DOLLING SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO PET DOG IN BRIXHAM

#MostEvil | Craig Anthony Dolling, born 21/04/1993 and residing on Briseham Road, Brixham, Torbay TQ5 9NS, was convicted after subjecting his pet dog to a brutal assault that resulted in the dog losing a leg.

The dog, Rocco, a young Staffordshire bull terrier, endured severe injuries inflicted by his owner, including cuts, a broken leg, fractured ribs, injuries to his cheekbone and skull. Despite these injuries, Dolling and his girlfriend, 25-year-old Natasha Hilson, failed to seek veterinary treatment, leaving Rocco to suffer.

When questioned about Rocco’s injuries, Dolling reportedly told Hilson, "I just went mad on him earlier. You know what I get." The RSPCA described Dolling’s conduct as "tantamount to torture."

Dolling, a father-of-one with previous convictions for violence, pleaded guilty to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to Rocco during his court appearance. Prosecutor Lindi Meyer explained that Dolling and Hilson both accepted responsibility for the dog’s well-being.

The incident came to light after the RSPCA and police responded to reports of an injured dog at the couple’s home on September 2, 2019. Initially, the occupants did not answer the door, but Hilson eventually allowed authorities entry just as they were about to force their way in.

Officers observed that Rocco had visible injuries to his head and leg. Hilson claimed Rocco had hurt his leg attempting to jump over a gate nearly a month prior and admitted she had not taken him to a vet. The scene had a strong smell of ammonia and feces, indicating poor living conditions.

A police officer described the dog's condition as "heartbreaking," stating he had never seen an animal so badly injured.

Veterinary examination revealed Rocco had multiple severe injuries: several cuts, a dislocated femur, swelling, two extensive head wounds—so severe that his right eye couldn’t be examined— a fractured tooth, injuries to his cheek, three fractured ribs, and a fractured right hock which was old and severe enough that the leg needed amputation. The injuries to Rocco’s head and ribs suggested blunt force trauma, with some inflicted weeks earlier through kicks, stamping, or being thrown against objects. The fracture to his skull was caused by a heavy linear object, inconsistent with Dolling’s account of injury from trying to escape over a door.

Hilson mentioned that Rocco's leg fracture occurred when he tried to jump over a door, but both she and Dolling denied mistreatment. Dolling explained he refrained from taking Rocco to the vet because he feared he would be accused of beating the dog. He could not explain the eye injury.

Texts exchanged between the couple revealed troubling details. Hilson asked Dolling about Rocco’s facial injuries, to which he responded, "I just went mad on him earlier. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it. I’m f****d." Hilson expressed that Rocco was "only a baby" and deserved better. Dolling admitted, "You know what I get. I get what you’re saying. I’m sorry, I’m a nasty c**t."

Hilson also acknowledged a history of domestic violence in their relationship. Dolling subsequently accepted responsibility for his actions.

The court heard that nobody was present when Dolling inflicted the injuries, and the trigger for his violence remained unspecified. A veterinarian confirmed that the injuries resulted from blunt force trauma on at least two occasions, causing significant pain over six weeks. The skull fracture was caused by being struck with a heavy object, and rib injuries resulted from kicks, stomps, or being thrown.

Prosecutor Meyer described Dolling’s actions as "deliberate, gratuitous, and causing suffering and pain on multiple occasions" with prolonged neglect over months, despite both owners being aware of the injuries.

A video of Rocco in RSPCA care was played in court, showing the dog running and chasing a ball, indicating he was recovering and doing well after learning to walk again. Hilson has yet to transfer Rocco to the RSPCA and has expressed her desire to keep him.

Dolling's defense lawyer, Ben Darby, stated that Dolling accepted full responsibility, appeared tearful and remorseful, and expressed a desire for help with anger management and making positive changes. He acknowledged the seriousness of the offenses but emphasized that Dolling had admitted guilt even without direct witnesses.

Hilson, who did not directly cause Rocco’s injuries, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge under the Animal Welfare Act. She will be sentenced later.

Dolling received a suspended four-month jail sentence. Additionally, he was ordered to undertake up to 10 days of anger management with probation and complete 60 hours of unpaid work. He is banned from keeping all animals for life but can appeal after five years.

In an update from March 2020, Natasha Rose Hilson, born 10/08/1994, remaining on Briseham Road, Brixham, was sentenced for neglecting Rocco's health by failing to seek veterinary care. She is required to complete 10 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirements and 240 hours of unpaid work. Hilson is also disqualified from owning any animals for 15 years, with no possibility of lifting this ban for five years, and must pay £200 in costs.