WILL MORRIS BIRKBY DOG ABUSER SENTENCED AFTER CRUELTY IN HUDDERSFIELD

Will Morris, a resident of Birkby, Huddersfield, has been found guilty of severe animal cruelty involving his pet pug, Minnie. The incident, which took place at his address on Norwood Close, has garnered significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare organizations. Morris, born on September 9, 1996, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on July 15, 2023, where he initially faced trial but ultimately changed his plea to admit to a single offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

According to court records, Morris was responsible for subjecting his nine-year-old pug, Minnie, to ongoing physical abuse. The cruelty culminated in an incident where Minnie was kicked down a flight of stairs, an act that caused serious concern among veterinary professionals and animal welfare inspectors. The case was brought to light after the RSPCA, in collaboration with local police, conducted a raid on Morris’s property in Calderdale in August 2023, following reports of two dogs being mistreated.

During the investigation, veterinary staff examined Minnie after she was brought in for treatment. A veterinarian who attended to Minnie testified that the dog had been brought in by her owner, who claimed that Minnie had been kicked in the head by her ex-partner, leading to her falling down the stairs. The vet observed neurological abnormalities in Minnie, which suggested brain trauma. Fortunately, these symptoms subsided within a few weeks, but the vet expressed concern over the pattern of injuries, indicating they might not have been accidental. The vet also noted that Minnie’s injuries raised questions about her safety and well-being.

In a statement delivered during the court proceedings, Inspector Miranda Albinson of the RSPCA emphasized the severity of Minnie’s injuries. She stated, “Minnie suffered neurological problems after she was kicked and fell down the stairs, and she was incredibly lucky that this wasn’t life-changing. I’m so pleased that Minnie and her friend were rescued and taken to safety, and that they’ve now been returned to their owner who loves them dearly and can now keep them safe from Morris.”

As part of the court’s sentencing, Morris received a 12-month community order, which includes a requirement to participate in 10 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, he was ordered to pay court costs and was disqualified from owning or keeping animals for a period of 10 years, a ban that will expire in July 2034. The case highlights ongoing concerns about animal cruelty in the region and the importance of vigilant enforcement of animal welfare laws.