KEITH WILLIAMS FROM MIDDLESBROUGH SHOCKINGLY ABUSES LABRADOR ON RING DOORBELL
In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Middlesbrough, Keith Williams, born on 26 May 1963 and residing at 15 Westmorland Road, Linthorpe, was found guilty of animal cruelty after footage surfaced showing him abusing his own Labrador dog.The incident, captured on a Ring doorbell camera, revealed Williams whipping and kicking his dog in a manner that has sparked outrage among animal welfare advocates and residents alike.
The footage, which was recorded during separate incidents on March 10 and March 17, 2023, depicted Williams threatening to kill one of his Labradors after the dog had gone to the toilet in the street.
The images showed him forcefully kicking the animal and hitting it with the end of a lead on multiple occasions—actions that prompted immediate concern and led to police and RSPCA intervention.
Williams owns two identical black Labradors named Scooby and Rambo.
The RSPCA, after reviewing the footage, took swift action.
Inspector Clare Wilson visited Williams’ residence in Linthorpe on March 27, following the evidence provided by the CCTV footage.
Upon arrival, she entered the rear living room of the property, where she identified Williams as the man seen in the footage.
Wilson noted that Williams matched the description given by witnesses and was the individual responsible for the abuse.
Through a window, Inspector Wilson observed a black Labrador-type dog in the small backyard.
Williams initially claimed the dog was called Scooby, but he hesitated before confirming the name.
During questioning, Wilson explained that she was investigating a suspected criminal offence related to the footage, which showed Williams shouting at, kicking, and hitting his dog.
The police seized Scooby as evidence and arranged for a veterinary examination.
The dog was taken to a vet for assessment and subsequently placed in a private boarding facility.
However, Williams refused to sign over custody of Scooby, insisting he wanted to take the dog back.
The footage was also reviewed by a veterinarian, who provided expert testimony in the case.
The vet stated that Williams’ handling of the dog was inappropriate and caused the animal suffering, including pain and fear, even if only temporarily.
While a veterinary examination conducted ten days later did not reveal visible injuries such as bruising or lameness, the vet explained that trauma from blunt force could have caused pain and injury that might resolve within a few days.
Therefore, the absence of visible injuries at that time did not negate the possibility of prior suffering.
Following the case’s conclusion, Inspector Wilson expressed her disapproval of Williams’ actions.
She emphasized that the owner’s behavior was entirely unnecessary and unacceptable, especially considering that Scooby was unable to escape or defend himself during the abuse.
Wilson also thanked the member of the public who alerted authorities, enabling the case to be prosecuted.
Ultimately, Scooby was signed over into the care of the RSPCA, where he made a full recovery.
The dog was transferred to one of the charity’s animal centers with the aim of finding him a new, loving home.
As for Williams, he was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £2,214 and received a ten-year ban on keeping dogs, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the community’s commitment to animal welfare.
