WOMAN WHO STABBED HER DOG AND BLAMED INJURY ON A NAIL AVOIDS JAIL
A woman from Lancashire who stabbed her dog and later claimed the animal was injured by a nail has avoided jail.Kirsty Summers, 39, attacked her Doberman, Miana, leaving the dog with lacerations to her shoulder and back.
Blackburn Magistrates’ Court heard how police were called to Summers’ home in Nelson on February 4 this year and removed Miana from the property.
The next day, the RSPCA launched an investigation into the stabbing.
Miana was taken to a local vet, where she was treated for two 7cm (2.75-inch) wounds that were cleaned and stapled.
A vet reviewing the evidence stated: "The dog has two skin wounds - one on the right shoulder area and the other towards the midline of the dog’s back.
The wounds have sharp margins and penetrate into the subcutaneous tissues.
Blood contamination in the fur indicates recent injuries." During an interview, Summers denied stabbing her pet, claiming Miana had caught herself on a nail.
She initially refused to sign the dog over to the charity.
At a sentencing hearing at Blackburn Magistrates Court on Tuesday (4 November), Summers was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months.
She was also banned from keeping animals for 10 years after a prosecution by the RSPCA.
The judge noted Summers had stabbed Miana more than once, with the offence considered high culpability, despite her complex character.
She will not be able to contest her ban for two years, and was ordered to complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days, with a nine-month alcohol treatment requirement, and pay costs of £85 and a £154 victim surcharge.
Further investigation revealed that Miana had severe medical issues and, on veterinary advice, she was sadly put to sleep.
Another dog removed from Summers’ care, unharmed, is now being cared for by the RSPCA.
