HAYLEY SMITH'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN MILTON KEYNES: DOG BEATEN AND STAMPED ON

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty that has shocked the community of Milton Keynes, Hayley Smith, born circa 1986 and currently without a fixed address but most recently residing in the Fairfields area, was found guilty of heinous abuse towards her dog. The incident came to light after footage surfaced showing Smith violently kicking and stamping on her dog, a black and white Staffordshire bull terrier named Angel.

Authorities and animal welfare organizations responded swiftly after receiving the footage, which was sent to the RSPCA, prompting an extensive investigation. The footage depicted Smith physically assaulting her dog across various locations within Milton Keynes, including at a bus stop and in her own neighborhood. The images showed Angel being dragged along on a lead, appearing to be lame, and subjected to repeated kicks to the chest and chin, as well as being stamped on. In one particularly distressing clip, Smith was seen striking the dog so forcefully that Angel’s head hit the frame of a bus stop.

Following the investigation, police officers located Smith on October 6, 2022. During the intervention, they seized Angel and placed her in the care of the RSPCA. A veterinary examination confirmed that Angel had suffered multiple instances of physical abuse, with the vet’s report indicating that the dog had been subjected to pain and neglect. The report also noted that Angel was lame on her front left leg and had not received any veterinary treatment for her injury.

Veterinary experts testified in court, describing Angel’s passive demeanor during the abuse, which suggested she was in significant pain and fear. The expert stated, “On the number of occasions that the dog was physically abused, she can be seen to be very passive and does not attempt to bite, escape or resist the abuse. The dog would have experienced pain as a result of the physical abuse. She was also observed to be lame on her front left leg.”

Hayley Smith pleaded guilty to three charges under the Animal Welfare Act, acknowledging her involvement in the cruelty. During the court proceedings at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court, she was described as “very remorseful” for her actions. It was revealed that Smith had been suffering from mental health issues, including the aftermath of abuse from a former partner, and was experiencing homelessness at the time. Additionally, she struggled with drug addiction, factors that the court acknowledged as contributing to her behavior.

Angel has since been placed in a foster home, where she is receiving care and attention. The RSPCA plans to rehome her to a loving family, ensuring she receives the affection and security she was denied.

Inspector Prisca Giddens, speaking after the sentencing, expressed her concern and relief. She said, “This poor dog was picked on relentlessly by the defendant and she must have been in fear of her all the time. Angel was cruelly beaten on multiple occasions, but without the help of the public we wouldn’t have been able to have prosecuted Smith as we eventually were able to link the assaults. We had so many calls from people who had witnessed the mistreatment of the dog over a period of months and we went to several different locations to try and track the defendant down. Angel is a sweetie, a really lovely dog who has been looked after by fosterers and now we will find her a loving new home.”

As part of her sentence, Hayley Smith received an eight-week prison sentence, which was suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to complete 25 days of rehabilitation activities, pay court costs of £100, and a victim surcharge of £114. Furthermore, she is subject to a lifetime ban on owning or caring for any animals, a measure aimed at preventing any future cruelty. This case has once again highlighted the importance of community vigilance and the crucial role of public witnesses in combating animal abuse in Milton Keynes and beyond.