STUART WHELAN FROM RAFFLES INVOLVED IN SHOCKING DOG ATTACK NEAR WIGTON ROAD

Stuart Whelan, a resident of Dalton Avenue in Raffles, Carlisle, became the focus of a serious criminal case after an unprovoked and disturbing attack on a small dog in a local park. Born around 1976, Whelan was convicted in 2020 of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog and threatening behaviour, following a series of incidents that took place at Chances Park, a popular spot near Wigton Road where he often cycles with his own dog.

The case was brought before magistrates after multiple witnesses came forward with accounts of Whelan’s aggressive and abusive conduct towards dog walkers and their pets. The first incident occurred on May 8, 2020, when Maxine Denby, a local woman, was walking her dog in the park. She recounted hearing a dog squealing loudly and witnessing Whelan lift his own dog into the air over his head before forcefully slamming it onto the ground. Denby described the scene as shocking and distressing, noting that the dog was crying and visibly upset.

Another witness, Tony Peacock, confirmed Denby’s account. He described how Whelan, after verbally abusing Denby, cycled past her at high speed with his dog sitting in the front basket of his bicycle. Peacock’s testimony painted a picture of escalating hostility and aggressive behaviour from Whelan during that period.

Further incidents occurred four days later, when Patricia Guanlett was enjoying a tea-time walk through Chances Park with her two dogs, including her West Highland terrier named Cara. As she strolled across the grass, she saw Whelan cycling towards her with his dog running alongside. Her dogs approached him, prompting Whelan to abruptly throw down his bike and begin shouting at her, falsely accusing her of having a dog that had bitten his pet. Guanlett recounted that Whelan threatened her, saying, “If I see that [her] dog again, it’s dead.”

During this confrontation, Whelan ran at Guanlett’s West Highland terrier, which was simply walking along, and violently kicked her dog. The force of the blow lifted Cara approximately 18 inches into the air. Guanlett described feeling terrified that Whelan might hit her as well, and she quickly grabbed her dog to protect her. She described Whelan’s demeanour as “horrific,” noting his hyper and aggressive behaviour, which she found extremely frightening. Since the attack, Cara has become wary of strangers, and Guanlett reported that Whelan briefly followed her after she left the park.

Another dog walker, Judith Keir, also witnessed Whelan’s conduct during the same period. She had previously reported Whelan to the police for his behaviour. Keir stated that Whelan’s dog was not bitten, but she observed Whelan running up to her dog and deliberately kicking her in the ribs, which she described as a “penalty kick.” Keir emphasized that her dog, Cara, was nowhere near the other dog at the time, and she believed Whelan’s actions were intentional.

Whelan denied the allegations of throwing his dog to the ground or acting aggressively towards other dog walkers. Despite his denials, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him after a trial.

In sentencing, Whelan was given an 18-month community order. This included a requirement to participate in a 10-day rehabilitation activity and to complete a Probation Service Thinking Skills course. Additionally, a restraining order was issued, banning Whelan from entering Chances Park and from making any contact with the four witnesses who testified against him. Notably, Whelan was not prohibited from owning animals in the future. The case highlights the serious nature of animal cruelty and aggressive behaviour in public spaces, raising concerns about community safety and animal welfare in the Raffles and Carlisle area.