A dog owner has been jailed for stabbing his dog 12 times and leaving it to die on a beach in Sunderland.
Luke Profitt, 22, inflicted horrific injuries on the German Shepherd in a frenzied attack on December 12 last year, before members of the public discovered the dog in a grave condition on Hendon Beach. Vets attempted to save her, but the animal died after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Proffitt told police officers that "it's not illegal to kill your dog", reported ChronicleLive.
On Monday he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court and pled guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. He was jailed for 18 months and banned from owning animals for 18 years.
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Wildlife Enforcement Officer PC Peter Baker of Northumbria Police described it as an "absolutely horrendous case" and said he welcomed the sentence handed down to Proffit.
He said: "It is without question that the dog was subjected to sustained violence and she was found by members of the public with appalling injuries to her body and neck on Hendon beach.
“Proffit is one of the first offenders in our force to be jailed since tougher sentencing guidelines were introduced in courts across the UK last summer for the most heinous animal cruelty crimes.
“We are a nation of animal lovers, and it is always disappointing and upsetting when crimes like this happen. I hope this case sends out a strong message – anyone who hurts or abuses animals will be brought to justice.
“We will continue to work with our fantastic colleagues and partners, including the RSPCA, to educate everyone – including young people in schools across the North East - of the importance of looking after animals.”
Proffit's dog was healthy and of a good weight prior to the attack, the court heard. The violent assault was deemed to be a serious but isolated incident committed at a time when the defendant was going through a mental health crisis.
Spotted animal cruelty or an animal in distress? Contact the RSPCA directly or call the police on 101.
