REDCAR DOG KILLERS MICHAEL HEATHCOCK AND RICHARD FINCH SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CRUELTY

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Redcar, two men, Michael Heathcock and Richard Finch, were found guilty of heinous acts of animal cruelty involving a defenseless elderly dog. The incident came to light in October 2016 when a vigilant walker, passing through Kirkleatham Woods, heard faint whimpering emanating from a mound. Upon investigation, the individual discovered the suffering dog, later identified as Scamp, in a dire state.

Concerned by the dog's distress, the walker promptly transported Scamp to a veterinary clinic. The veterinarian's examination revealed multiple severe injuries, including three puncture wounds to the dog's head, which the vet described as the most severe case of animal cruelty he had ever encountered. The injuries were inflicted with a nail and a claw hammer, indicating a brutal and deliberate act of violence.

During police interviews, both Heathcock and Finch admitted to their involvement in the cruelty. Heathcock, who resided on Geneva Drive, and Finch, from Ontario Crescent, both of Redcar, confessed that they had driven a nail into Scamp's skull and failed to seek any veterinary care for him afterward. Finch also acknowledged assisting Heathcock in the act, which he claimed was motivated by a misguided belief that killing the dog was the 'right thing to do' due to the dog's declining health, including blindness, deafness, and incontinence.

Heathcock reportedly carried the dog in his arms to Kirkleatham Woods, where the act was carried out. Finch recounted that they initially brought a spade to dig a hole for the dog but found it difficult to do so because of the dense ivy covering the ground. Consequently, Finch dug a shallow hole as best as he could, and Heathcock then killed Scamp while Finch watched.

Finch further revealed that he had learned about killing animals during his time at agricultural college 45 years prior, and he suggested that the use of the nail was his idea. The magistrates heard that the dog was buried alive, a tragic and unnecessary act of cruelty that caused immense suffering.

Chairwoman Frances Linsley condemned the act as 'barbaric,' emphasizing that it was premeditated and inflicted untold pain on a helpless creature. The court was told that both men had no previous convictions related to animal cruelty. Defense attorney Dominic Tate argued that Heathcock had owned Scamp for approximately 15 to 16 years and described the method of killing as 'ill-thought out' and 'naive.' He also highlighted that Heathcock had recently been subjected to threats and property damage, which may have influenced his decision.

Heathcock and Finch were each sentenced to four months in prison. Additionally, they were ordered to pay costs and charges totaling £315 each. The court also imposed lifetime bans on both men from owning or keeping animals, aiming to prevent any future cruelty. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Redcar, raising awareness about animal welfare and the importance of protecting vulnerable creatures from such brutal acts.