JOSH ALEXANDER FROM HENLEY-ON-THAMES SHAMES ANIMAL IN CRUELTY CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Henley-on-Thames, Joshua Elliott Alexander, born in June 1989 and residing at 20a Queen Street, was found guilty of inflicting unnecessary suffering upon his pet dog, a black terrier named Goat. The incident, which took place between February 28 and March 8, 2020, was captured on CCTV footage that revealed a troubling pattern of abuse.

According to the footage, Alexander was seen chasing his dog through an alleyway adjacent to his home, displaying aggressive and intimidating behavior. The video also showed him physically assaulting the animal by punching it, actions that have sparked widespread condemnation. The footage was reviewed in court, leading to a serious discussion about the appropriate punishment for such cruelty.

During the hearing, presiding magistrate Chloe Jeffs addressed Alexander directly, acknowledging the severity of the case. She stated that although the offences could have warranted a 51-week prison sentence, Alexander would not face jail time. Magistrate Jeffs explained, “This case is so serious that custody has been a strong option. We have thought long and hard about whether to send you to prison. We have more than 35 years’ experience on the bench and we have never seen footage as upsetting as what we have seen today when it comes to animal welfare.”

She further condemned Alexander’s behavior, describing it as “cruel, mean and, frankly, quite shocking,” and expressed her disbelief that he would claim to be an animal lover. The magistrate emphasized that such conduct demonstrated a clear lack of trustworthiness in caring for animals.

Following the court proceedings, the RSPCA intervened to rehome Goat, who has since been placed in a safer environment. Nikki Denham, an investigator with the charity, commented on the case, saying, “It is upsetting to see Goat cowering in the footage. I would like to thank the police and witnesses for reporting the matter as without people like them, the RSPCA would struggle to bring incidents like this to the attention of the courts.”

As part of his sentence, Alexander received a 12-month community order, which includes nine months of drug rehabilitation and 20 days dedicated to further rehabilitation efforts. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £690 in costs and was banned from keeping animals for life, a measure aimed at preventing any future cruelty. The case has once again highlighted the importance of animal welfare and the need for strict enforcement of laws protecting vulnerable creatures in the Henley-on-Thames area.