MARTIN BUTTERS AND KRISTINE VIKSNINA HORRIFYING CRUELTY IN BOWLING, BRADFORD

Martin Butters, born on May 19, 1963, residing at 93 Rook Lane, Dudley Hill, Bradford BD4 9NA, and his partner, Kristine Viksnina, a Latvian national born around 1982 and currently living at Fenby Avenue, Dudley Hill, Bradford BD4 8QX, have been convicted of severe animal cruelty charges. The pair was found guilty after a series of investigations revealed their disturbing treatment of two beloved family dogs, Honey, a one-year-old Golden Labrador, and Lilu, a six-year-old Yorkshire terrier.

Evidence presented in court detailed how the dogs were subjected to ongoing abuse, including being kicked, struck with a broom, and having objects thrown at them. Witnesses reported hearing the dogs yelping multiple times each week, which prompted concern and subsequent investigations by the RSPCA. Video footage obtained by the charity depicted both dogs displaying submissive and fearful body language, with Lilu being physically handled in a manner that included being picked up by her neck, further illustrating the distress they endured.

On April 3, 2023, RSPCA Inspector Demi Hogby, accompanied by police officers, visited the couple’s residence following the receipt of several videos sent by witnesses. These videos, dating from November 2022 through March 2023, showed the dogs in distress, with some footage capturing them in a yard that lacked proper shelter. The dogs were kept outside in all weather conditions, from early morning until late at night, with a plastic shelter in the yard that was often blocked by objects, preventing the dogs from seeking refuge. Snow and ice were visible in some clips, raising concerns about their exposure to harsh elements.

Additional footage from November 2022 showed a firework being ignited and burning in the yard, although no animals were visible at that time. On Boxing Day 2022, Butters was seen kicking Honey, who yelped and limped away. On another occasion, she was chased and kicked by Viksnina. In February 2023, a refuse bin was swung at Honey twice, with the dogs unable to access their kennel during the incident. In March 2023, the footage showed the dogs attempting to escape from Viksnina, who again kicked Honey, causing her to yelp. Viksnina was also seen lifting Lilu by her neck with one hand.

Further disturbing scenes included an unknown object being hurled into the yard, hitting Honey on her rear end, and Butters swinging a long-handled sweeping brush at the dogs, eliciting cries of pain. A broom-like object was seen flying across the yard over one of the animals. The dogs’ body language consistently indicated fear, with attempts to hide and tails tucked between their legs, clearly showing their distress.

The veterinarian who reviewed the footage stated that both dogs had been subjected to inappropriate handling and physical abuse on multiple occasions. The vet noted that Honey, in particular, was often the target of such treatment, which was not supported by any professional dog training or behavioral advice. The vet emphasized that the dogs suffered not only physically but also emotionally, experiencing fear and distress during these episodes.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that after being questioned by the RSPCA, Butters went into the yard and handed Inspector Hogby a plastic broom and a small piece of wood, claiming, “See they aren’t heavy so they wouldn’t have hurt her,” in an attempt to justify his actions.

Viksnina attempted to shift blame onto Butters, claiming her behavior was influenced by him. She also stated that she had owned dogs for over eight years without issues. Butters, who chose to represent himself in court, expressed remorse but appeared unable to comprehend the severity of his actions.

Both Honey and Lilu are now in the care of the RSPCA’s Doncaster, Rotherham & District Branch. The dogs are currently receiving proper care and are expected to find loving new homes soon.

Inspector Hogby commented on the case, expressing gratitude to those who reported their concerns. She emphasized that the dogs endured unacceptable physical and emotional suffering and that the RSPCA was pleased to have intervened to secure their safety and future well-being.

The court sentenced the pair to eight-week custodial sentences, suspended for 12 months, along with 100 hours of unpaid work, a ten-week curfew, and costs totaling £243, plus a victim surcharge of £157. Additionally, both offenders were disqualified from keeping animals for 12 years, marking a significant step in protecting vulnerable animals from future abuse.