Suspended jail sentence for man who punched puppy
Tuesday 20th December 2011, 7:00PM GMT.
A 22-year-old man who punched a 12-week-old puppy in a Telford street has been handed a suspended prison sentence and banned from keeping animals for two years.
Matthew Blagborough, 22, who now lives in Cardiff, was spotted punching Staffordshire bull terrier Molly in the face in Oakengates on January 30, Telford magistrates today heard.
Blagborough had denied causing unnecessary suffering to the dog but was convicted following a trial last month. He was also found guilty of failing to be responsible for the pet’s welfare.
He was sentenced to 26 weeks in jail, suspended for two years, banned from keeping animals for two years and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £1,200 towards the prosecution costs.
The court heard horrified onlookers watched as Blagborough twice hit Molly to the side of the head leaving her with swelling and bloodshot eyes.
Blagborough said he had clipped the dog on the nose after she had defecated on him.
Mr Chris Grainger, for Blagborough, said: “He feels bad that he caused injury to the dog. He just didn’t realise how hard he hit her.”
After the hearing, RSPCA inspector Dave McCartney said: “Hopefully this will send out a message to other people.”
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