Richard Stewart avoids jail time for animal cruelty

Richard standing over his three year old American Bulldog Peggy beating her with a hover attachment after she accidentally soiled the carpet

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Richard Stewart (22/07/77) from Middleton has avoided jail time after beating a defenceless dog twenty seven times with a hover attachment.

Stewart was sentenced to eight weeks in jail but the sentence was suspended for eighteen months.

Stewart was arrested by police for suspicion of cruelty to animals on 31 May 2013 and bailed that same day. He attended Bury magistrate’s court on 17 September for sentencing.

In court, Stewart admitted causing unnecessary suffering by inflicting multiple blunt force traumas.

Council cleaner Stewart was seen standing over his three year old American Bulldog Peggy beating her with a hover attachment after she accidentally soiled the carpet. A friend filmed Stewart as he repeatedly beat the dog as she yelped in pain and cowered by the door.

RSPCA officials were passed the footage by a concerned member of the public. This then led them to trace Stewart to confront him with the evidence of his assault.

In mitigation, the court heard that Stewart was very remorseful and had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

Stewart was banned from owning, keeping, dealing or transporting animals for five years but after a year he can apply to have the order lifted. He must also pay £2000 costs at £50 a month and an £80 victim surcharge.

RSPCA deputy chief inspector Ben Strangwood said: “This was a vicious, unnecessary and unprovoked attack on a sweet-natured dog.

“Stewart has shown remorse and said his actions sickened him and the courts have dealt with it in an appropriate manner. 

“The District Judge has said that behavior towards defenceless animals such as this will not be tolerated by the courts.”

Peggy is now in the care of the RSPCA after she was seized by the police.

She can now be re-homed and anyone interested in finding out a little bit more about her can contact RSPCA Warrington, Halton & St Helen’s branch animal centre on 01925 632944.