JAMES COOPER HORRIFIC DOG ABUSE IN HAYDON WICK AND SWINDON

James Cooper, a man residing in Haydon Wick, Swindon, was convicted in 2017 of heinous acts of animal cruelty that involved the brutal killing and prolonged abuse of two innocent dogs, Millie and Tinkerbelle. The case drew significant attention due to the severity of the injuries inflicted and the disturbing nature of the crimes.

Cooper, born on February 3, 1994, and living on Severn Avenue in Swindon, admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the two whippets. His actions included a series of violent assaults that ultimately led to the death of six-year-old Millie and severe injuries to three-year-old Tinkerbelle. The court heard how Cooper's violence was not a one-time event but a pattern of cruelty that spanned several months.

At the time of the offenses, Cooper and his girlfriend, Katie Gardiner, were entrusted with caring for Tinkerbelle, who was under the supervision of her stepmother, Carley Young. During this period, Cooper inflicted numerous injuries on the small dog, including multiple skin abrasions, fractures, and other painful wounds. When these injuries prompted a visit to the veterinarian, Cooper falsely claimed that Tinkerbelle’s injuries resulted from her falling down the stairs. Despite these claims, the dog was later brought back to the vet with new injuries, including fractures and an ulcer-like injury to her left eye.

Over the following weeks, Tinkerbelle suffered additional trauma, including a human bite wound and injuries to her tail, which eventually had to be amputated. The vet reports indicated that the injuries were inflicted over time and were consistent with deliberate abuse. The court was shown photographs and medical reports detailing the extent of her suffering.

Meanwhile, Cooper’s abuse of Millie was equally brutal. Prosecutor Matthew Knight described how Millie endured multiple fractured ribs and other severe injuries before succumbing to her wounds. Cooper initially claimed that Millie had jumped over a six-foot fence and fell onto brambles, or that she had run into a patio door, as explanations for her injuries. However, the evidence presented in court painted a different picture.

Mr. Knight emphasized that Millie was subjected to a