PETER DENSLEY BLACKWELL DOG ABUSE SCANDAL SHOCKS DERBYSHIRE

Peter Densley, a resident of Blackwell, has been at the center of a disturbing animal cruelty case that has garnered significant attention across Derbyshire. Born around 1955 and residing at 257 Alfreton Road, Blackwell, Densley was convicted in 2022 for a brutal act of violence against his pet dog, a border collie named Meg.

On June 22, 2021, witnesses observed Densley engaging in a shocking act of animal cruelty at Scanderlands Playing Fields in Blackwell. The incident involved Densley kicking Meg in the head as she ran off to play with children at a nearby skatepark. Eyewitnesses reported hearing the dog yelp loudly in pain after the kick, which caused her to collapse onto the ground. Without showing any remorse, Densley then proceeded to pick her up by her fur and carry her away from the scene.

The incident was captured on video footage that quickly circulated on social media platforms, drawing widespread condemnation. The footage depicted Meg at the bottom of a skate ramp, with a group of teenagers giggling nearby, while Densley approached from a nearby field, shouting at the youths. The video was later played in court during the trial, providing clear visual evidence of the cruelty inflicted upon the dog.

An RSPCA inspector who reviewed the footage described the kick as resembling the movements of a footballer, targeting the young dog’s head, neck, and shoulder. A veterinarian who examined Meg after the incident expressed concern that the force of the kick could have resulted in severe injuries, including a skull fracture and bleeding on the brain. The court was informed that Meg was naturally fascinated by scooter wheels, a behavior Densley was attempting to discourage through training efforts.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Densley had asked the teenagers at the skatepark to stand still and allow him to retrieve his dog. When they did not comply, Densley reportedly lost his temper and resorted to violence. Prosecutor Becky Allsop recounted that Densley was heard shouting threats at the youths, saying, “if you don’t stop I’ll kick your head in as well.” She also described how Densley kicked Meg with such force that the dog emitted a sound indicative of pain, akin to kicking a football.

An onlooker testified that Densley had threatened the children by saying, “I’ll have you next.” The court heard that Densley’s actions were driven by frustration, and his solicitor, Katie Hempstock, explained that her client, who owned five dogs, had previously spoken to the boys at the park, asking them not to engage with Meg. Despite these requests, the children continued their behavior, leading Densley to lash out.

Ms. Hempstock emphasized that Densley deeply regrets his actions, stating that he understands the pain he caused Meg. She also noted that no physical injuries were confirmed by veterinary examination, and Densley’s own vet attested that his dogs were well-loved and properly cared for. The solicitor further revealed that Densley’s wife had passed away from a brain tumor the previous year, an event that profoundly affected him.

In sentencing, Densley was handed a 12-month community order, which includes 140 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £1,837 to Derbyshire Police to cover the costs of kenneling Meg after her removal, along with additional court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £95. A deprivation order was issued for Meg, meaning she will be taken from Densley’s custody. The court did not impose a disqualification order, allowing Densley to retain ownership of his other dogs.

This case has sparked widespread outrage within the local community and beyond, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of cruelty towards animals in Derbyshire.