ARNOLD DAWSON AND KERRY LEE DOWSON OF BASELIDON CONVICTED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY IN BASILDON

Arnold Dawson, born around 1989, and Kerry Lee Dowson, born 15 September 1984, both residents of Armada Close, Basildon SS15 5GP, were convicted in 2019 of cruelty towards a kitten. They admitted to neglecting the welfare needs of a black male kitten named Binx by failing to protect him from repeated injuries over an eight-week period.

The couple’s pets suffered unexplained injuries; one cat died, and another was left permanently blind. It was established that Binx had been taken to the vet six times within eight weeks due to injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, especially to the head. An expert witness confirmed that Binx sustained several severe injuries, including large swellings, skull fractures, a rib fracture, and internal bleeding within the eyes, which caused his blindness.

Additionally, a dog cared for by Dawson and Dowson also sustained serious, unexplained injuries, leading to the dog being euthanized. The court heard that the explanations provided by Dawson and Dowson for Binx’s injuries did not match the severity observed. An expert concluded that Binx had been subjected to repeated acts of intentional injury.

Several individuals raised concerns on Facebook about the couple, specifically mentioning Arnold Dawson. The court was also informed that their previous pet, a dog named Honey, had experienced similar unexplained injuries, ultimately resulting in Honey being euthanized.

Following the case, RSPCA Inspector Adam Jones commented: “Binx was taken to a vet by the owner on six occasions over an eight-week period, with injuries consistent with blunt force trauma. A deprivation order was made and Binx has now been signed over into the care of the RSPCA. We will now look to find him a new home.

He is very affectionate despite his injuries. He is now blind due to cataracts, but this doesn’t seem to affect him, and he remains a loving cat. I am confident he will make a wonderful addition to someone's family.”

Initially denying the charges, both Dawson and Dowson pleaded guilty to one count each of failing to protect Binx from recurrent injury.

Regarding sentencing: Arnold Dawson received a 12-month community order, 200 hours of unpaid work, a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and was ordered to participate in a thinking skills programme. Kerry Dowson was also sentenced to a 12-month community order, a 30-day rehabilitation activity, and a six-month curfew. Both were ordered to pay £600 in costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

Furthermore, both were disqualified from owning any animals for 10 years, with this ban set to expire in January 2029.