STEVE HARRISON OF MIDDLESBROUGH SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY AND BURGLARY

Steven Anthony Harrison, born on August 12, 1985, of Brereton Road, Middlesbrough TS4 3HS, has added animal cruelty to his extensive criminal record, which predominantly includes habitual house burglaries.

Harrison’s dog, affectionately known as Benson, was found stray and in a severely neglected state. He was described as "skinny, lethargic and retching," with a potato lodged in his throat, and a dishcloth inside his stomach. The discovery prompted a response from the RSPCA following a member of the public who reported the dog on February 4, 2019.

A criminal with a long history, Harrison has accumulated numerous convictions for house burglaries. His recent conviction involves two charges under the Animal Welfare Act: causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet Benson’s needs.

Inspector Clare Wilson recounted the condition of Benson upon rescue: “When I first saw Benson he was skinny, lethargic and kept retching and coughing constantly. I could feel and see all of his ribs and his spine.” Due to the late hour, Benson was taken to a nearby veterinary clinic. Veterinary staff suspected an internal obstruction, and Benson was placed on a drip, receiving pain relief and medication.

Vets conducted tests and X-rays that revealed a large obstruction behind his heart, which was determined to be a whole potato and a dishcloth. Surgical removal was necessary, and the procedure was described as complex and risky. “It was touch and go whether he’d survive the complex operation but, luckily, he pulled through,” Wilson confirmed.

Harrison was traced after the incident, and it was discovered that Benson had been suffering from vomiting for several days prior. No veterinary care had been sought, and the dog had been allowed to stray around the area.

Wilson added, “He was extremely poorly by the time we were able to get him the vet. He was lucky to survive.” Benson was eventually signed over to the RSPCA after court proceedings.

The inspector explained that Benson now suffers from a stricture in his oesophagus, requiring him to be fed small amounts of food regularly. Despite this, the staff caring for him remain optimistic about his future.

“He’s doing well otherwise though and is such a lovely dog that the animal centre staff who are caring for him are hopeful they will be able to find him the special home he needs and deserves when he’s ready,” Wilson said.

In court, Harrison received a sentence of six weeks’ custody, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, pay a victim surcharge of £115, and was disqualified from owning any animals for seven years, a ban set to expire in February 2027.

Harrison’s criminal record includes previous convictions, including a notable burglary at a pensioners’ home and a six-year sentence for burglary, details of which have been reported in local news sources ([The Northern Echo](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/8875338.south-bank-burglar-jailed-raid-pensioners-home/) and [Gazette Live](https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/career-burglar-jailed-six-years-10038121)).