KEVIN AND CHRISTINE HOWARD OF KINGS CLIFFE SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO BORDER TERRIER PUPPY

Kevin Charles Howard, born in July 1961, and his wife Christine Anne Howard (née Walker), born in March 1947, both residents of Park Street in Kings Cliffe PE8 6XN, found themselves at the center of a disturbing animal cruelty case that shocked the local community and drew the attention of the courts. The incident involved the tragic death of a young border terrier puppy named Winston, who was subjected to severe abuse by the couple, culminating in his death from strangulation.

According to court proceedings, the events unfolded on August 1, 2017, when the Howards observed Winston with one of their chickens in his mouth. Witnesses described the scene as ‘carnage,’ indicating the chaos and violence that ensued. Mrs. Howard reportedly caught Winston and immediately shouted at her husband to ‘get the gun,’ before passing the distressed dog to him. The situation quickly escalated as Kevin Howard, in a fit of rage, struck Winston multiple times with the barrel of a gun. An eyewitness recounted hearing Howard hit the dog ‘eight or nine times,’ although Howard himself claimed he only struck Winston three times.

During the assault, Mr. Howard attempted to hold Winston by the scruff of his neck in an effort to pry his jaws open, but in doing so, he inadvertently strangled the puppy. The dog was then carried out to the driveway by Howard, covered in blood from the chicken, as the owner of Winston and his 10-year-old son arrived at the scene. Howard reportedly remarked, “I doubt it will survive,” indicating his awareness of the severity of the injuries inflicted.

Veterinary examination confirmed that Winston died from strangulation, a tragic end that left the community in shock. The owner of Winston, in a victim statement read aloud in court, described Howard’s actions as ‘unspeakable’ and characterized the killing as a ‘cruel way to kill a puppy.’ The court also learned that Winston had previously caused damage to the Howards’ chickens, killing 16 of them, for which the owner had compensated the couple. Additionally, Winston had chased a cat into their house, further illustrating his previously aggressive behavior.

During the trial, the defense, represented by Andy Cave, argued that the Howards were not animal abusers but rather animal lovers who had spent years rescuing and caring for stray animals, including cats and dogs, at their own expense. Cave described their chicken coop as a ‘five-star chicken coop,’ emphasizing their dedication to animal welfare. Howard himself reported the incident to police, expressing remorse and stating he was distraught over what had happened. He claimed to have killed Winston with his bare hands, but police initially told him he had done nothing wrong, as he was protecting his livestock.

Despite their denial of the charges, Kevin and Christine Howard were found guilty after a trial that lasted an entire day. The court proceedings took a toll on Mrs. Howard, who collapsed outside the courtroom and required resuscitation. The judge sentenced Kevin Howard to a 12-month community order, which includes 10 days of rehabilitation requirements. He was also ordered to pay £212.50 in compensation to Winston’s family, along with an additional £75 to the 10-year-old boy involved, and a victim surcharge of £85. Christine Howard received a fine of £98, plus a victim surcharge of £30. Both were ordered to contribute towards trial court costs amounting to £775. The case has left a lasting impact on the local community of Kings Cliffe, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of cruelty.