NICK ETHERINGTON'S CRUELTY IN SALFORD: DOG ABUSE SHOCKS COMMUNITY
| Red Rose Database
City of Salford Animal Abuser
In the city of Salford, a disturbing case of animal cruelty has come to light involving Nicholas J Etherington, a resident of Buckingham Road, Cadishead. The incident, which took place in 2015, was captured on camera by vigilant neighbors who witnessed Etherington's brutal treatment of his pet dog, Sam.
According to reports, Etherington was seen swinging the small Jack Russell Terrier before forcefully throwing him over a metal gate. The footage, which was later handed over to authorities, revealed a distressing scene of violence inflicted upon the defenseless animal. Sam sustained injuries to his back leg, including skin lacerations and abrasions, along with injuries to his neck tissues, indicative of rough handling and physical abuse.
Concerned neighbors, alarmed by the cruelty, promptly contacted the RSPCA, which responded swiftly to the complaint. An RSPCA officer visited Etherington’s residence following reports that the dog was being subjected to physical abuse. Despite knocking on the door, there was no response from Etherington. As the officer was preparing to leave, a neighbor provided CCTV footage that clearly showed Etherington's violent actions towards his dog.
At the time, Etherington was the owner of two dogs, Sam and another named Lady. Both animals were seized by authorities and taken into a re-homing center to ensure their safety and well-being. The case was brought before Manchester Magistrates Court, where Etherington was tried in absentia and found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, as well as subjecting the dog to fear and distress.
Prosecutor Anna McDonald detailed the case, emphasizing the severity of the incident. She stated, “An RSPCA officer went to the house after a complaint had been received about concerns the dog was being beaten. There was no response from the house but when he was leaving a neighbour gave the inspector CCTV footage of Etherington throwing his dog over a metal gate.”
Senior RSPCA inspector Paul Heaton described the footage as ‘shocking’ and ‘traumatic’ to watch. He expressed his disgust at the cruelty inflicted upon the innocent animal, stating, “This was a very traumatic bit of footage to watch. It’s only a few seconds but shows the deplorable actions against a poor and defenceless dog. Anyone who sees this footage will be completely shocked and disgusted.”
Heaton further condemned Etherington’s actions, asserting that there was no justification for such behavior towards any animal. “The actions of Etherington are deeply disturbing and we had no choice than to take this man’s dogs away. The animal did nothing wrong and there is no excuse for disgusting actions of this kind towards a pet or any animal.”
As part of his sentencing, Etherington was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid community service. He was also required to pay court costs amounting to £550, with an additional £250 allocated towards RSPCA court expenses and a £60 victim surcharge. Furthermore, he received a five-year ban from owning animals, a restriction that expired in 2020.
This case has shocked the local community in Salford, highlighting the importance of vigilance and swift action in protecting vulnerable animals from abuse. The authorities’ response underscores their commitment to ensuring that cruelty does not go unpunished and that animals are safeguarded from harm.
According to reports, Etherington was seen swinging the small Jack Russell Terrier before forcefully throwing him over a metal gate. The footage, which was later handed over to authorities, revealed a distressing scene of violence inflicted upon the defenseless animal. Sam sustained injuries to his back leg, including skin lacerations and abrasions, along with injuries to his neck tissues, indicative of rough handling and physical abuse.
Concerned neighbors, alarmed by the cruelty, promptly contacted the RSPCA, which responded swiftly to the complaint. An RSPCA officer visited Etherington’s residence following reports that the dog was being subjected to physical abuse. Despite knocking on the door, there was no response from Etherington. As the officer was preparing to leave, a neighbor provided CCTV footage that clearly showed Etherington's violent actions towards his dog.
At the time, Etherington was the owner of two dogs, Sam and another named Lady. Both animals were seized by authorities and taken into a re-homing center to ensure their safety and well-being. The case was brought before Manchester Magistrates Court, where Etherington was tried in absentia and found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, as well as subjecting the dog to fear and distress.
Prosecutor Anna McDonald detailed the case, emphasizing the severity of the incident. She stated, “An RSPCA officer went to the house after a complaint had been received about concerns the dog was being beaten. There was no response from the house but when he was leaving a neighbour gave the inspector CCTV footage of Etherington throwing his dog over a metal gate.”
Senior RSPCA inspector Paul Heaton described the footage as ‘shocking’ and ‘traumatic’ to watch. He expressed his disgust at the cruelty inflicted upon the innocent animal, stating, “This was a very traumatic bit of footage to watch. It’s only a few seconds but shows the deplorable actions against a poor and defenceless dog. Anyone who sees this footage will be completely shocked and disgusted.”
Heaton further condemned Etherington’s actions, asserting that there was no justification for such behavior towards any animal. “The actions of Etherington are deeply disturbing and we had no choice than to take this man’s dogs away. The animal did nothing wrong and there is no excuse for disgusting actions of this kind towards a pet or any animal.”
As part of his sentencing, Etherington was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid community service. He was also required to pay court costs amounting to £550, with an additional £250 allocated towards RSPCA court expenses and a £60 victim surcharge. Furthermore, he received a five-year ban from owning animals, a restriction that expired in 2020.
This case has shocked the local community in Salford, highlighting the importance of vigilance and swift action in protecting vulnerable animals from abuse. The authorities’ response underscores their commitment to ensuring that cruelty does not go unpunished and that animals are safeguarded from harm.