JAMES SPENCER FROM WALSALL SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO PUPPY IN BIRMINGHAM

James Spencer, born circa 1989 and residing on Lindon Road, Brownhills, Walsall WS8 7DD, was convicted in 2022 of repeatedly abusing his Labrador puppy. Spencer was filmed violently striking his dog, named Budd, before grabbing him and hurling him into his van, where he continued to assault the animal.

Witnesses reported observing five separate incidents outside Spencer's home on Lindon Road, Brownhills, within the time frame of June 1 to July 25, 2021. These events mostly occurred in the parking area near his residence.

Prosecutor Sara Pratt explained that one witness saw Spencer hitting the dog on three occasions and was prepared to film the third incident. She described the event: “The defendant was seen to be calling to Budd, who didn’t come to him. The dog only approached when the defendant laid on the ground. He then picked the dog up, struck him, and repeatedly slapped him inside his van. The dog was thrown into the van, and Spencer was seen punching him multiple times. Footage of the incident was sent to the RSPCA. Spencer was heard saying, ‘do you want to be punched again do you? Do you want to be punched again?’”

Following the incidents, Spencer voluntarily surrendered the puppy, who was examined in September and found to be “bright, alert and friendly.” Although the puppy appeared passive when handled—possibly due to a history of negative encounters—the prosecutor noted this was likely a response to past abuse.

Initially, Spencer claimed he would only tap Budd once on the nose if he misbehaved, but later admitted to the full extent of the abuse.

District Judge Jonathan Straw commented on the case: “I have watched the video. It’s clear the defendant showed significant inadequacy. Initially, he used basic methods to call and encourage the dog. When the dog didn’t obey, he became frustrated, which escalated into anger, leading to him physically assaulting the animal. This wasn’t cruelty from the outset, but a failure of the defendant to properly care for or handle a puppy, resulting in frustration and violence when he couldn’t control it.”

Pallo Bailey, Spencer’s defense lawyer, acknowledged that Spencer was experiencing difficulties and was currently unable to work after falling from a ladder.

While Judge Straw described the assaults as “appalling, cruel and violent,” he also recognized Spencer’s vulnerabilities. Spencer was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation. He was also fined £500 and banned from owning animals for ten years.

The case was reported by Birmingham Mail.