COUPLE CONVICTED FOR ANIMAL ABUSE
David Herbst, originally from South Africa, along with his partner Jodie Mulcrow, received suspended sentences after magistrates reviewed the case of their Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Emily, who had sustained serious injuries due to what was described as “blunt force trauma” while under their care.The couple, who are parents to four children, faced conviction on three counts of animal cruelty, including neglecting to seek veterinary assistance, failing to treat a skin issue, and not protecting the dog from pain and distress.
They were found guilty in a trial that took place in April 2019, which they chose not to attend.
At the sentencing hearing, RSPCA prosecutor Anna McDonald presented the court with visual evidence of Emily’s injuries.
Although Herbst and Mulcrow denied causing any harm, magistrates learned that a nail-spiked club was discovered on their property.
Ms McDonald recounted that in September 2018, a neighbor, who was in her backyard, heard Emily yelp and inquired if Herbst had hit the dog.
He denied this.
Later, on November 23, Herbst went to the neighbor’s home in a state of distress; Emily had a wound above her eye.
The neighbor advised Herbst to take Emily to a veterinarian.
Concerned about Emily’s condition, the neighbor said she would take the dog herself if the couple refused.
She observed a puncture wound on Emily’s cheek and contacted the RSPCA about her injuries.
Emily received treatment for her facial and lip wounds and was given pain relief.
She was subsequently taken to Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, where veterinary staff determined that her injuries had occurred days earlier due to blunt force trauma.
During police interviews, the couple stated they had cared for Emily for approximately two to three years.
Regarding her skin problem, they claimed to have attempted treatment without success.
Herbst mentioned that he let Emily into a field behind their house, and that she returned with the head injuries.
They admitted they lacked the funds for veterinary care.
Ms McDonald noted that Mulcrow told magistrates Emily had never been to a vet and did not believe her injuries caused suffering.
Defense lawyer Nick Woosey argued that Herbst believed the injuries were deliberate but was not responsible, adding that the couple regularly let Emily out in the field and did not suspect anything amiss.
The court expressed shock upon viewing images of Emily’s wounds.
Both Herbst and Mulcrow received eight weeks in prison, suspended for one year, along with costs of £615 each, and a 20-year ban on owning animals.
