STEPHEN AGAR ATTACKS NEIGHBOUR'S DOG IN KIRKBY - SHOCKING CRUELTY INCIDENT

In a disturbing act of animal cruelty, Stephen Agar, a resident of Kirkby, was convicted for stabbing his neighbour’s black Labrador, Sully, due to ongoing noise complaints. The incident took place on November 6, 2021, and has left the local community shaken by the severity of the attack.

Stephen Agar, born around 1967 and previously residing in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, but more recently living on Broad Lane in Kirkby, was sentenced to 26 weeks in jail for his brutal assault on Sully. The court proceedings revealed that Agar had a history of grievances related to the dog’s barking, which he had previously complained about to his neighbour. On the day of the attack, the neighbour reported that Agar had been banging on the ceiling of his flat, indicating his frustration with the noise.

At approximately 5:55 pm, Sully’s owner was preparing to leave her flat to meet a friend. As she approached her front door, Agar emerged from his residence and confronted her with hostile remarks, asking, “What’s all the f***ing noise?” The court heard that Agar then made aggressive jabbing motions towards Sully, who was trying to escape and was visibly distressed. Witnesses described seeing Agar wielding a large blade, estimated to be about four or five inches long, resembling a sizable kitchen knife.

The owner’s friend, who was present at the scene, recounted hearing Sully’s screams of pain. She entered the flats and saw her friend calling the police, reporting that her dog had been stabbed. Sully was immediately taken to a veterinary clinic, where he received treatment for his wound, which was stitched up. The dog was kept overnight for observation but ultimately made a full recovery.

During the court hearing, Agar pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. He explained that he had a long-standing issue with noise at his property and had attempted various measures to resolve it, including contacting the housing association in Skelmersdale. Agar expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he was ashamed and that he had even contacted the police himself to report the incident.

Magistrates acknowledged that Agar was suffering from mental health issues but emphasized that the attack was a deliberate act intended to inflict suffering on Sully. They noted that a weapon was used against the dog and recognized the distress caused to the owner. The court also expressed concern about public safety, considering the severity of the offence, and determined that only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate.

As a result, Agar was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison. Additionally, he was disqualified from owning animals for a period of five years, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the potential danger posed to animals and the community in Kirkby.