MAN BANNED FROM KEEPING DOGS AFTER BREAKING PUP'S LEG
A man caused injury to a six-month-old American bulldog named Karma by stepping on her leg, and then failed to seek immediate veterinary assistance, resulting in her suffering and crying out in pain, a court was told.Kris Conroy fractured Karma’s leg on December 22, 2019, leaving her in significant discomfort, according to evidence presented at Weymouth Magistrates Court.
The court was informed that the 38-year-old, residing on Brisbane Road in Weymouth, was under the influence of sleep-inducing medication due to severe mental health problems at the time.
He reportedly stood on the puppy’s leg while in a dazed state.
Conroy admitted at court to causing unnecessary pain to a protected animal.
During mitigation, solicitor Iain Braizer stated, "He acknowledges that the dog should have been taken to the vet and is very regretful about the oversight." He added, "At the time, he was dealing with serious mental health issues and malnutrition, and was not in a condition to care for himself, let alone a dog." The court was also told that police were called a week later after a neighbor heard Karma crying loudly.
Prosecutor Matthew Knight, representing the RSPCA, said, "Police responded to Conroy’s home after hearing the dog’s screams.
They advised him to take the dog to a veterinarian, which he did within 24 hours." He further explained, "Dogs experience pain similarly to humans.
The delay in action caused the dog considerable suffering and distress." A statement from RSPCA inspector Marie Griffiths was read to the court, where she described the dog as "the most traumatised I have ever seen." Veterinary scans confirmed Karma’s leg was broken.
The RSPCA seized the dog on January 8 of the following year, and she has been in their care since then.
Probation officer Stephanie Walker testified that Karma provided Conroy with purpose and helped him cope with loneliness.
She explained, "He suffers from emotionally unstable personality disorder, and Karma played an important role in his life.
As a teenager, he lost his brother to a diabetic coma." Magistrate Stephen Corben imposed an 18-month ban on Conroy owning or caring for any dogs.
Additionally, he received a 12-month community order, requiring attendance at 15 full days of supervision with a probation officer.
Conroy was also ordered to pay a fine of £150, a victim surcharge of £90, and £60 in court costs.
After the hearing, Conroy commented, "I was crate training her and she's very vocal.
"I was taking sleeping medication that day because of my insomnia and they make me dazed.
"I miss her.
She was my company."
