Norfolk terrierman banned for causing suffering to dog in illegal hunting activities

NORFOLK TERRIERMAN BANNED FOR CAUSING SUFFERING TO DOG IN ILLEGAL HUNTING ACTIVITIES

A terrierman has been banned from keeping dogs after admitting causing unnecessary suffering when he failed to have injuries treated.

Daniel Eldridge, 61, did not seek veterinary help for his Patterdale terrier called Spud after it twice suffered severe facial wounds.

He admitted cruelty to Spud, a dog he had cared for by the RSPCA, since being in his care.

Eldridge failed to call a vet or provide adequate pain relief despite the dog needing facial surgery and being in significant pain.

He was sentenced at Norwich Magistrates Court to a 12 month community order with rehabilitation days and 120 hours of unpaid work.

Eldridge was also disqualified from keeping dogs for two years, although he voluntarily gave up nine dogs, which could have resulted in a longer ban.

He was ordered to pay £1,000 towards investigation costs.

The offences date back to 2021 and 2023 and involved injuries inflicted in fights with badgers, with prosecutors stating the injuries would have been obvious to any reasonable owner.

The court also considered charges related to illegal tail docking of terrier puppies and causing suffering to another dog, Sam, as well as possession of parts of a dead badger, a protected species.

Eldridge's mitigation argued that dogs were his life and he struggled with cultural shifts in hunting practices, admitting his wrongdoings.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about animal cruelty and illegal hunting activities in Norfolk.