OWEN HARPER, DANIEL BROWN, RYAN HOLLICK AND JACK WHITING HORRIFICALLY ABUSE PUPPY IN MARGATE AND WESTGATE ON SEA

In a case that has shocked animal welfare advocates and the local community alike, four young men—Owen Harper, Daniel Brown, Ryan Hollick, and Jack Whiting—were involved in a brutal and inhumane attack on a defenseless puppy in the Thanet district of Kent, specifically around the areas of Westgate on Sea, Margate, and Birchington.

According to court records and investigations, the incident dates back to February 23, 2015, when the puppy, a Chihuahua cross named Chunky, was stolen from his home. The young offenders, all born around 1998, targeted the tiny, less-than-a-year-old dog with malicious intent. The cruelty inflicted upon Chunky was nothing short of barbaric, with the youths admitting to a series of heinous acts that caused the puppy unimaginable suffering.

Witnesses and investigators revealed that three of the accused—Harper, Brown, and Hollick—had physically assaulted the puppy, kicking and punching him. The assault escalated to breaking his leg and neck, acts that alone would have been enough to cause severe injury. But the cruelty did not stop there. The youths also set fire to Chunky's face and eyes using a deodorant aerosol can, an act that left burns and scars. Additionally, they fed him drugs, further compounding his suffering, and then cruelly dumped him at a rubbish tip on Manston Road in Margate, believing him to be dead.

It was only the following evening that a passer-by discovered the injured puppy at the dump site. Miraculously, despite the horrific injuries—burns, broken bones, and a broken neck—Chunky survived. Veterinary professionals provided extensive care, and against all odds, the dog made a remarkable recovery. His resilience was a testament to his strength, but the trauma he endured left lasting scars, both physical and emotional.

RSPCA inspector Caroline Doe described the case as one of the most disturbing she had ever encountered. She stated, “This was the most disturbing case I have ever dealt with—by an absolute mile. These youths admitted to feeding him drugs, kicking and punching him, and even wringing and breaking his neck before abandoning him. They also said they set fire to his face and eyes after lighting a deodorant aerosol can. The whole thing sends shivers down my spine.”

Inspector Doe emphasized the extreme cruelty inflicted upon Chunky, noting that the young offenders, despite their age and apparent drug influence, committed acts that were barbaric and inexcusable. She added, “Chunky was found with a broken leg and neck, burns all over his face and eyes. He must have suffered horrendously for hours as the senseless torture took place for the amusement of these boys. What was perhaps even worse was that he suffered for days after being dumped, wandering alone near a busy road. It is a miracle he survived.”

She further described the emotional toll on the dog, recalling how terrified and depressed Chunky appeared when first rescued. Veterinary experts confirmed that the injuries were so severe that, despite intensive treatment, Chunky endured at least six days of pain. Fortunately, he was eventually restored to health and returned to his loving owners. However, the trauma of the ordeal is likely to leave lasting effects, and the owners are expected to struggle with the memories of the senseless cruelty inflicted upon their beloved pet.

In court, the four youths pleaded guilty to charges of animal cruelty, acknowledging their actions and the suffering they caused. The sentencing included a 12-month referral order and a requirement to pay costs. Additionally, they were disqualified from keeping any animals for five years, a ban that expired in November 2020. The case has sparked outrage across the community, highlighting the importance of animal protection laws and the need for stricter penalties against such heinous acts.