RICHARD COOPER KILLS BEAGLE PUPPY IN COTGRAVE - SHOCKING ANIMAL ABUSE REVEALED

Richard Tony Cooper, born on September 4, 1985, and residing in Marlwood, Cotgrave, has been at the center of a disturbing animal cruelty case that has shocked the local community. More recently, in 2023, Cooper was living at Fosse Walk, Cotgrave, with the postal code NG12 3NZ. The incident involved the brutal killing of a seven-month-old beagle puppy named Bella, an act that has sparked outrage among animal lovers and residents alike.

Cooper, who is employed as a groundskeeper for Notts County FC, became the focus of criticism after it was revealed that he attacked Bella following an alleged bite from the puppy. Despite widespread appeals from animal advocacy groups urging the football club to dismiss Cooper due to his actions, Notts County FC chose to retain him in his position as of June 2020. This decision has only intensified the public's concern over the club's stance on animal cruelty.

The attack on Bella was particularly violent. Cooper inflicted severe injuries on the puppy, including a ruptured liver, fractured ribs, and internal bleeding. The injuries were so extensive that the veterinarian who examined Bella described the fractures as being worse than those typically seen in serious road accidents. Initially, Cooper claimed that he had only kicked the puppy once, but the veterinarian's findings contradicted this, indicating multiple blows, possibly with a fist or a kick.

When Cooper realized the gravity of Bella's condition, he contacted his girlfriend and asked her to take the injured puppy to the veterinary surgery. Unfortunately, despite efforts to save her, Bella's injuries were too severe, and she was euthanized. At the veterinary clinic, Bella was found to be in a state of labored breathing, unresponsive, and repeatedly attempting to lie on her side, signs of her critical condition.

During the court proceedings, District Judge Leo Pyle addressed Cooper directly, emphasizing the responsibilities that come with caring for animals. He stated, “Having an animal in your care brings with it responsibilities. This was a puppy months old and puppies bite. On this occasion, this puppy bit your hand and doubtless you were in considerable pain. But what you did was completely disproportionate. This level of injury makes it patently obvious this puppy was struck more than once. Only you know how many times and what with. That directly caused this extremely painful death.”

Cooper was sentenced to nine weeks in prison, a sentence that was suspended for one year. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £2,626, complete 100 hours of unpaid community service, and was banned for life from owning or caring for animals. However, he has the option to appeal this ban after five years, which could potentially lift the restriction. The case has left many in the community questioning the actions of both Cooper and the football club that employed him, highlighting ongoing concerns about animal cruelty and accountability in Cotgrave.