Bristol man kicked own Jack Russell puppy to death
Paul Honeyfield was reported to the RSPCA by his own father after he viciously kicked his Jack Russell pup Sheba for nibbling at furniture.
The female dog suffered devastating internal injuries from the blow and died three days after being kicked.
Honeyfield, of Queens Parade, Hotwells, admitted two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to the animal by kicking it and by then failing to take it to a vet.
As well as being banned from owning an animal for life, magistrates yesterday also gave the 40-year-old an 18-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months, a four-month tagged curfew between 7pm and 7am and he was ordered to pay £250 costs.
Kevin Withey, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, told Bristol Magistrates' Court that Honeyfield had carried out the attack at his previous address in North Street, Bedminster, on May 8.
Mr Withey said: "The defendant's father was suspicious of the circumstances of the dog's death. To his credit the defendant's father brought the matter to the attention of the RSPCA.
"As a result a post-mortem was carried out and it was established that the cause of death was consistent with a dog being kicked.
"An interview was carried out and the defendant said that because of a perceived bad behaviour by the dog he had kicked it hard, several metres across the room.
"The dog was injured and took two or three days to die."
Anna Van Wely, defending, said her client had been diagnosed as a schizophrenic and had serious learning difficulties.
She said: "He was not in a good state of mind at the time of the incident because he was not taking his medication but he does not put this forward as an excuse.
"He has accepted what he had done and has expressed genuine remorse. He has even been to Bristol Cathedral to say a prayer."
Honeyfield told magistrates from the dock: "I just want to say I am really sorry and it will not happen again. I have seen the error of my ways."
Chair of magistrates Martin Steer said: "You kicked a puppy so hard that you ruptured its liver and failed to get her veterinary attention for two to three days and she died of her injuries.
"This was a dreadful crime. Domestic pets rely on their owners for food and welfare and particularly in the case of dogs, love and affection - you betrayed that.
"We have heard you have serious mental health issues but that does not excuse your actions."
Talking to the Evening Post after the hearing, Honeyfield's father James Honeyfield, 78, told of the catalogue of terrible events that led to the puppy's death.
Mr Honeyfield said: "What he did - I just couldn't believe it.
"I used to take him out for dinner every Wednesday and look after him but I severed contact after this.
"I just cannot look him in the eye. He should never have had a dog.
"He used to get himself in a temper because the dog would mess the floor. He said he wouldn't give it water because it would wet the floor and I had words with him about that.
"Then he rang me and said the dog's paw was hanging off and people said he had been dragging it along the pavement.
"Then the call came that he had come home from shopping and found the dog dead on the bed. I went down there and took it for an autopsy.
"It's fair to say I was more than suspicious, because the dog would cower when he was around. I told the vet I didn't want him to be in a position to hurt another animal and asked if I should contact the RSPCA. The vet said he would and I backed it up with a statement."
RSPCA Inspector Alan Barnes said: "This is a sad and tragic case of a defenceless puppy which met a premature end.
"The main goal of the RSPCA is to prevent animals suffering so we are delighted with the result."
