2008: MAN WHO SHOT DOG JAILED
A man aged 43, accused of shooting his dog four times after striking it with a saucepan, faces a four-month prison sentence for inflicting "incredible cruelty" on his pet.In May last year, Gary Childe from Worth Crescent, Stourport, returned from the pub to discover his Weimaraner dog trembling and experiencing a fit in the backyard.
The dog, which had been in his care for 11 years, had ongoing health issues and was on prescribed steroids.
The health concern had recently resurfaced.
Mr.
Childe claimed he aimed to euthanize the dog when he struck it twice with a saucepan.
When that failed, he used a 22 calibre air rifle, owned by his partner’s father, to shoot the animal four times.
Following the attack, he placed the gun in the shed and returned the saucepan to the cupboard, the magistrates heard.
The dog was later euthanized at Charnock Shepherd Veterinary Practice after Mr.
Childe told the vet it had been attacked by another dog while having a seizure.
When his partner discovered the dented saucepan with blood on it, she became suspicious and confronted Mr.
Childe, who subsequently confessed his actions.
Prosecutor Nick Sutton stated, "It appears he wanted to avoid the trouble and cost of taking the animal to a vet.
His explanation to the vet was completely false." He added that initially Mr.
Childe admitted to hitting the dog with the saucepan but did not mention shooting it.
Later, during an interview, he admitted shooting the dog twice, but it was actually four times, indicating premeditation.
Defense lawyer David Howarth noted, "Mr.
Childe was unable to cope with the dog's seizures and shaking.
His actions were wrong, but he cared deeply for his dog." The magistrates described the incident as "incredible cruelty," sentenced Mr.
Childe to four months in jail, and imposed a lifetime ban on owning or caring for animals.
After the hearing, RSPCA inspector Neil Tysall remarked, "This sentence clearly conveys that deliberate cruelty to animals will be met with strict punishment by the courts."
