ARRON CRIGHTON FROM SOUTHWICK SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY INVOLVING FOXES AND DOGS

Arron Richard Crighton, born on 12 February 1998 and residing on Kismet Street in Sunderland SR5 2LG, has been at the center of a disturbing animal cruelty case that has shocked the local community and animal welfare advocates alike. The case, which came to light through social media posts and subsequent police investigations, revealed a series of heinous acts involving the use of his dog, Jet, to attack and kill foxes in Southwick.

According to police reports, Crighton was found to have posted graphic videos and photographs online depicting his dogs engaged in brutal fights with foxes. These images showed animals suffering severe injuries, with some of the footage capturing the dogs, including Jet, with their jaws locked around the necks and bodies of the helpless foxes. One particularly disturbing image displayed Crighton himself, along with others, holding a bloodied fox in their hands, further evidencing the cruelty involved.

Authorities were alerted after receiving reports of these videos, which included footage of a dog fighting with a fox and a person seemingly pinning the fox down with their foot. The police responded swiftly by executing a search warrant at Crighton’s residence on Kismet Street. During the search, they seized his mobile phone, which contained hundreds of shocking images and videos documenting the attacks and injuries inflicted on the animals.

Investigations revealed that Crighton had failed to provide veterinary care for Jet’s injuries sustained during these fights. When questioned by police, Crighton admitted to the offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2001 and the Hunting Act 2004, explaining that he engaged in these activities “for sport.” He further claimed that if one of his dogs was injured by a fox, he would simply put another dog on the job, indicating a blatant disregard for animal welfare.

PC Peter Baker of Northumbria Police expressed his disgust at the case, stating, “The photographs and videos that Arron Crighton made are incredibly distressing and showed a total disregard for the welfare of these animals. Crighton took a great deal of satisfaction out of filming this barbaric and criminal activity and then posted the trophy pictures online.” He emphasized that Crighton’s actions demonstrated that he could not be trusted to care for animals properly, as both his own dog and the foxes suffered horrific injuries.

The police investigation was initiated after a member of the public reported seeing the videos online and expressing their disgust. Authorities urge anyone witnessing similar acts of cruelty or poaching to report them to the RSPCA or call 101. The case serves as a stark reminder that neglecting animal welfare can lead to criminal charges.

Jet, the dog involved in these attacks, was found to be frightened but gentle when officers located him. He has since been rehomed to a caring environment. Crighton was sentenced to 18 weeks in jail and received a ten-year ban from owning any animals, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

As of 2023, Crighton is known to operate a waste removal and scrap metal business called A&J Removals, with the contact number 07521164564, raising concerns about ongoing community safety and animal welfare issues in Southwick.