MICHAEL GARNER OF RAVENSTHORPE PETERBOROUGH INVOLVED IN HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE ON FACEBOOK LIVE

Michael Garner, a resident of Ravensthorpe in Peterborough, has been convicted of heinous animal cruelty following a disturbing incident that was broadcast live on Facebook. The incident involved the abuse of an American bulldog named Roscoe, owned by Michael's brother, Thomas Garner. The footage, which surfaced publicly, depicted Michael Garner violently punching Roscoe multiple times and engaging in disturbing sexual stimulation with a glass object, all while the dog was visibly distressed.

Michael Garner, born in 1966, appeared in court alongside his brother Thomas, born on February 9, 1969. While Michael pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal by repeatedly hitting Roscoe around the head, Thomas Garner maintained his innocence and was scheduled for trial in June 2017. The outcome of Thomas Garner’s case remains unreported.

Prosecutor Giles Beaumont detailed the severity of the abuse, stating that Michael Garner was seen on Facebook Live striking Roscoe at least 16 times on or around the head after the dog had grabbed his arm sleeve. Beaumont further explained that Michael appeared to sexually stimulate the dog with a glass object, describing the act as provoking the animal into a state of distress. The court was shown the video, which also contained background footage of pornography, adding to the disturbing nature of the incident.

The RSPCA was alerted to the video by concerned members of the public who had witnessed the footage online. One individual expressed their shock and outrage on Facebook, describing the scene as a live feed where three men, including Michael Garner, engaged in watching pornography and performing sexual acts towards a white boxer dog. The witness recounted how the men antagonized the dog into fighting back, then proceeded to beat it viciously, with Michael Garner delivering punches that caused bruising to Roscoe’s lip. The veterinarian examining Roscoe later noted that the dog had become accustomed to the abuse, which was a sign of ongoing trauma.

Rebecca Keogh, defending Michael Garner, acknowledged the disturbing nature of the footage but attributed his actions to intoxication, stating, “It’s certainly unpleasant and uncomfortable viewing. It’s clear he was caught up in the incident. It does not excuse that behaviour but he was very drunk. If he was not drunk he would not have done it. It was lucky he was not seriously hurt goading a dog that size.”

District Judge Ken Sheraton sentenced Michael Garner to six weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, along with a four-month curfew and a fine of £200 in costs. Additionally, Garner was disqualified from owning or controlling any animals for an unspecified period. The judge expressed his disapproval of Garner’s actions, emphasizing the senselessness of such behaviour, especially when shared publicly on social media.

Michael Garner has a criminal record that includes convictions over the past three years for producing cannabis and domestic abuse. His recent conviction marks a significant escalation in his history of criminal activity.

As for Thomas Garner, he pleaded not guilty to charges of failing to prevent unnecessary cruelty and neglect of an animal. He was scheduled for trial in June 2017, but the outcome of his case has not been publicly reported. In a separate incident, Thomas Garner was found guilty in September 2016 of two assault charges in Southsea, resulting in a community order.

This case has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for stricter animal welfare enforcement, highlighting the disturbing reality of animal abuse and the importance of public vigilance in reporting such crimes.