DAVID GREENHILL'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN STOKE-ON-TRENT AND GOLDENHILL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, David Greenhill, a resident of Sneyd Place in Goldenhill, Stoke-on-Trent, was found guilty of heinous animal cruelty involving a beloved family pet. The incident, which took place in the early hours of June 9, 2017, revealed a brutal attack on a 16-year-old border collie named Missy, leading to her tragic death.

Greenhill, born in March 1978, and known for his work as a tree surgeon operating Sunset Landscapes Limited, demonstrated a shocking lack of compassion when he repeatedly struck Missy with a wooden weapon. The motive behind his actions appeared to be a desire to abandon the care of the dog, as he expressed that he no longer wanted to look after her. The attack was so severe that Missy was left near death, with her condition so dire that she was subsequently euthanized to prevent further suffering.

The incident was brought to light by a vigilant neighbor who was awakened by the sounds of barking and whimpering coming from Greenhill’s property. Peering outside, the neighbor observed Greenhill emerging from his back door clutching a wooden object. She watched in horror as he brought the weapon down twice in a downward motion, each time eliciting pitiful whines from the dog. After the assault, Greenhill retreated into his house with the weapon. Concerned, the neighbor knocked on his door, prompting Greenhill to lean out of a window and dismiss the situation, claiming that the dog was dead, had gone off her back legs, and was defecating everywhere. The neighbor, alarmed by the account, immediately contacted the police.

When authorities arrived, they found Missy still alive but in a critical state. The police observed her breathing erratically and noted a pool of blood beneath her head. Greenhill, showing no remorse, admitted to the officers that he had not sought veterinary treatment for the dog and later expressed regret only in hindsight. The dog was transported to Vets Now in Longton, where a veterinarian confirmed severe trauma, bleeding from her nostrils and mouth, and signs of brain injury. Due to the extent of her injuries, the veterinarian made the difficult decision to euthanize Missy to alleviate her suffering.

Greenhill was arrested at the scene and, during police interviews, displayed no emotion before confessing to causing unnecessary suffering to the animal and neglecting her welfare. His actions prompted a court hearing, where he pleaded guilty to the charges. The court sentenced him to a 12-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with a requirement to complete 25 days of rehabilitation activities and 120 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, Greenhill was ordered to pay £415 in costs, and a lifetime ban was imposed on him from keeping any animals in the future.

This case has once again highlighted the importance of animal welfare and the need for strict enforcement of laws protecting animals from cruelty. The community and animal rights advocates hope that such severe penalties serve as a deterrent to others who might consider harming defenseless animals in the future.