An XL Bully dog was heard “screaming” as it was brutally attacked by its owner for “jumping around in the bath”.
The dog, named Simba, was seized by the RSPCA from its owner’s flat in Sutton Coldfield after a neighbour sent the charity a sound recording of the dog yelping out in pain.
Simba had injuries sustained via “blunt force trauma”, receiving numerous cuts and bruises to his head on January 29 2023.
Connor Hudson, 32, appeared in court where he denied hurting his pet, saying that he was just trying to cut the dog’s nails.
Simba (not pictured) was battered by his owner whilst in the bathtub
Wikipedia Commons
However, he later confessed after being found guilty of two animal welfare offences.
The verdict of the trial was announced today at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court.
The 32-year-old was sentenced to 16 weeks suspended for 12 months and must complete 30 days of rehabilitation activity.
He was also prohibited from owning pets for ten years.
Prosecutor Sarah Pratt said: “Another resident went down the lift to go outside and have a smoke. He heard shouting but couldn’t make out what was being said.
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“He also heard the sound of dogs screaming. He identified the noise was coming from Connor Hudson’s flat. The witness started to record. The recording was short as he didn’t want a confrontation.”
The resident on Berryfields Road called the police but was told to contact the RSPCA instead, as officers believed that they did not have the power of entry.
An inspector was sent out later that day.
They discovered Simba perched on an armchair covered in bruises.
Hudson initially refused to allow Simba to be taken to a vet for a check-up, however later relented.
Describing Simba’s injuries, Pratt said: “The injuries are consistent with blunt force trauma consistent with slapping or beating with an object or hand.”
Simba (not pictured) was discovered by an RSPCA inspector covered in bruises
PA
Hudson’s defence Zulqarnain Saeed said that the 32-year-old felt “deep remorse” for his actions.
Saeed said his client’s mental health had been low at the time due to not taking his medication.
He said: “He has changed the quality of his life. He doesn’t try to minimise the offences.
“He said at the time his memory was very hazy. He didn’t know what he was doing. We heard during the trial the injuries were quite substantial. He said he didn’t intend to hurt him in that way.
“He got frustrated because he was jumping around in the bath. All he was trying to do was cut his nails. His frustration was taken out on the dog. He accepts it shouldn’t have happened.”
District Judge David Wain said: “Animals need to be protected from harm. They don’t go out to cause frustration and frustration can’t be carried out on them.
“The pre-sentence report makes it clear your offending was impacted by your mental health. You have not sat idly you have engaged with mental health and are now undergoing treatment and support. That demonstrates there is a real prospect of rehabilitation.”
