THOMAS HARDY'S CRUELTY IN BILLINGHAM: ANIMAL ABUSE SHOCKS NEIGHBORS AND COMMUNITY

Thomas Hardy, born on April 13, 1992, and residing at 48 Prior Court in Billingham, has been convicted in 2024 of heinous acts of animal cruelty involving two Cockapoos. The charges stem from disturbing CCTV footage that vividly captured Hardy subjecting two innocent dogs to severe physical abuse, including blunt force trauma, violence, and intimidation.

Footage from Hardy’s residence in Prior Court, Billingham, revealed a disturbing pattern of cruelty. One clip showed Hardy repeatedly punching a tan-colored Cockapoo in the head, a brutal act that left viewers appalled. The footage then depicted Hardy grabbing the dog by the scruff of her neck, placing her in a chokehold, and compressing her chest between his legs. In a further act of violence, he swung her around by her neck, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the animal’s well-being.

Additional video evidence showed Hardy’s continued abuse as the same terrified dog tried to escape from him. Hardy was seen grabbing her by the scruff again, lifting her off the ground, and then wrapping his hand around her throat while carrying her in front of him, swinging her in a manner that clearly indicated intimidation and cruelty. The footage also captured Hardy throwing the distressed dog into an elevator, where she collided with the back wall. He then kicked her under the chin, and in an apparent attempt to conceal his actions, he blocked the security camera.

Ten days later, a third clip surfaced showing Hardy with a brown male Cockapoo. Initially, the dog appeared happy, wagging his tail as he followed Hardy. However, Hardy’s violent nature soon became evident when he violently grabbed the dog by the neck, forcibly attaching a lead before yanking him to the floor. The dog’s tail stopped wagging, and he was observed acting submissively, indicating the fear and trauma inflicted upon him.

On August 2, 2023, authorities from the RSPCA, accompanied by police officers, visited Hardy’s flat after attempts to contact him failed. Due to concerns over the welfare of the animals, entry was forcibly gained. Inside, the inspectors found a light brown Cockapoo-type dog that was visibly nervous and cowering. The flat was in a deplorable state, described as very unkempt with a strong smell of excrement and faeces scattered around. The dog was seized by police and taken into the care of the RSPCA, with the inspector noting her distress and poor living conditions.

The veterinarian who examined the female dog and reviewed the CCTV footage provided a stark account of Hardy’s cruelty. The vet stated, “The individual in the videos is clearly seen to hit, choke, kick, and throw the tan Cockapoo. There is no reason to treat any animal in this way. The dog will have suffered physical pain and in addition showed clear signs of emotional distress.” The vet emphasized that Hardy’s actions caused unnecessary suffering, inflicting both physical pain and emotional trauma on the animals.

Hardy ultimately pleaded guilty to all charges brought against him. Following the case’s conclusion, RSPCA Chief Inspector Mark Gent expressed his distress over the footage, describing it as “very difficult to watch.” He remarked on the cruelty displayed and noted Hardy’s refusal to be interviewed about the incidents. Inspector Gent also extended gratitude to the police and security staff for their assistance in the investigation, acknowledging the emotional toll of the case.

The female Cockapoo was placed in a private boarding facility arranged by the RSPCA and has since been successfully rehomed, finding a loving new home. The severity of Hardy’s actions was recognized by the court, which deemed the offense serious enough to warrant a prison sentence. However, given Hardy’s guilty plea, the sentence was suspended. He received a twelve-week custodial sentence, suspended for 24 months, along with a requirement to participate in a thinking skills programme. Additionally, Hardy was ordered to pay £600 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge. He was also disqualified from dealing with or keeping any animals for a period of 12 years.

Following his conviction, local neighbors in Billingham shared their perspectives with the Daily Mail. One neighbor revealed that the two dogs Hardy abused belonged to his employer, adding that he had “never seen Thomas fight.” Another neighbor expressed shock upon hearing about the case, describing Hardy as a “good neighbor.” He stated, “I didn’t hear anything about the attack, but I knew he had a dog at one point. I’m shocked to hear about the attack. I know he has his problems and that he had his problems. He is a little bit anti-authority. But, when you meet him and you know him, that isn’t the person I know. He is a good neighbor. He doesn’t have loud parties and barely has anyone over.”