CONVICTED (2011) | Alex Downes, born 14/04/1989, of Alberta Street, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 4LB- attacked his pet boxer dog, fracturing his jaw and causing head and eye injuries Alex Downes Downes had been drinking and taking the MCAT drug when he attacked his dog, Bronson, because he had made a mess on the floor. Police had gone to the defendant’s home following a report of breaking glass and a dog barking, When they knocked at the door they heard shouting, a scream and a dog. Zoe Speake, prosecuting, told the court: “When Downes answered the door a malnourished dog staggered out from behind him panting. It had a number of injuries and the defendant had blood on one of his trainers.” Ms Speake said Downes told them: “The dog messed on the floor so I gave him a beating.” Officers who went into the house saw blood on the walls and on the floor. Magistrates heard that a vet who examined the dog found he had multiple injuries including a fractured jaw, head trauma and trauma to both eyes. Sentencing: jailed for 12 weeks. Banned from keeping animals for life but can appeal from September 2021. Source: Stoke Sentinel (article removed)