DANNY GILMORE FROM PORTHMADOG SENTENCED AFTER DOG CHASES AND KILLS RABBIT IN NORTH WALES

Daniel Gilmore, a resident of Porthmadog, was involved in a disturbing incident that drew the attention of local authorities and animal welfare organizations. The incident took place at his residence located at 106 Pensyflog, Porthmadog LL49 9LB, where Gilmore was recorded goading his dog into chasing a domestic rabbit, which was visibly terrified during the ordeal.

Following the chase, the rabbit was tragically killed. Gilmore, a traveller by background, was subsequently prosecuted and found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. The court proceedings revealed that Gilmore had posted a video of the chase on Facebook, specifically on the page named Bedlington Whippets, after the incident had occurred.

Prosecutor Diane Williams provided detailed testimony during the trial, explaining that Gilmore had released the rabbit from his hand before releasing his dog to pursue it. The video footage, which was presented as evidence, showed the chase unfolding on social media, sparking outrage among animal rights advocates and members of the community.

The court emphasized that the animal involved was a white rabbit, a species commonly domesticated across the British Isles. The prosecutor clarified that the rabbit’s white fur and shape indicated it was a domesticated animal, not an albino, and therefore protected under animal welfare laws. The fact that the rabbit was domesticated made the incident particularly serious in the eyes of the law.

During the trial, Gilmore’s defense was represented by lawyer Michael Strain of Strain and Company. His defense argued that the circumstances surrounding the incident were unusual and that Gilmore, a self-employed scrap merchant with a history of no prior trouble spanning over 50 years, had acted without malicious intent. Strain contended that rabbits are often legally caught and disposed of by farmers to control their populations, as they can damage hedgerows and cause other agricultural issues.

Furthermore, the defense claimed that the white rabbit may have been a domesticated pet that had escaped and become effectively wild. They argued that Gilmore’s actions—taking the rabbit from the dog and twisting its neck—were legal and did not cause unnecessary suffering. Strain emphasized that Gilmore did not intend cruelty and that his actions were consistent with how he would treat a brown rabbit, implying that the color of the rabbit was the only reason for the legal trouble.

In sentencing, the court handed down a 12-week jail term, which was suspended for 12 months. Additionally, Gilmore was ordered to pay court costs amounting to £740 and a surcharge of £128. The case has sparked ongoing discussions about animal protection laws and the responsibilities of pet owners and individuals involved in animal control in North Wales.