CONVICTED (2019) | Ashden Jack King, born 24 February 2002, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, Milford Haven SA73 3SA, and Jakob Goffin, born c. 2003, of Woodbine Way, Milford Haven SA73 3HQ – stole a tame pet chicken from her owner and tortured her to death. Jakob Goffin (left) and Ashden King filmed themselves torturing a pet chicken to death Chicken Daisy was subjected to a prolonged and brutal attack at the hands of sadistic savages Jakob Goffin and Ashden King and others, during which she was chased, set alight and had her neck hacked at with garden shears. She was finally killed with a pitchfork. The pet’s agonising ordeal was filmed for Snapchat and shared with other feral yobs in the group for their sick entertainment. Daisy’s ordeal took place at the home of a third youth who was investigated but not charged. In court a veterinary surgeon described the youths’ actions as “gratuitous torture”. Victim Daisy Daisy’s owner Michelle Owen wrote a victim impact statement which was read to the court. “When I discovered Daisy was gone I blamed myself, I thought I hadn’t secured the coop. My youngest two children were devastated when Daisy had gone, they were crying over her,” she said. “Daisy was very tame and friendly, it’s not the same going to the coop. I always thought my garden was safe and secure, now I don’t leave my dogs out in case they disappear. “When I think about what happened that night and the way Daisy suffered, it goes beyond cruelty. “She was a part of the family, more than just a chicken.” Defending the youths in court, Mike Kelleher said that the pair were facing the consequence of their “reprehensible” actions. He said: “This was a cruel and nasty horrible incident. However it started it went horribly, horribly wrong. They are here today to face the consequences.” RSPCA Cymru has described the incident as “horrifying” and expressed concern at the age of those responsible. “This poor chicken was subject to the most horrendous treatment – taken, beaten, stabbed and set alight,” said RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben. “I shudder to think what the poor animal went through. “The offences were horrifying, and it is always deeply worrying when young people commit such crimes. They will now be subject to our Breaking the Chain programme – which highlights the impact acts like this have on animals and their welfare standards. “RSPCA Cymru wants to inspire a future generation of animal ambassadors – who share our compassion and empathy for our fellow living creatures. Hopefully, this prosecution sets a clear statement that behaviours like this are totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.” David Allen, head of education at RSPCA , said: “Clearly, these were disgusting offences and it is particularly worrying that young people are committing such acts. Fortunately, we know most young people will be horrified by what happened in Milford Haven. “Our new Generation Kind scheme brings together a series of initiatives – including those in the classroom, support for teachers, programmes to support vulnerable looked-after and disadvantaged young people, and those targeted at youth offenders. “It is hoped that Generation Kind will help create a generation of individuals who are kind, compassionate and caring towards animals.” The youths pleaded guilty to an Animal Welfare Act offence, namely causing the chicken to suffer unnecessarily. Sentencing: 12-month referral order, which includes the RSPCA intervention initiative mentioned above. The older youth was ordered to pay £380 in compensation, costs and charges and the younger one was ordered to pay courts and charges totalling £400. They were both banned from keeping any animal for a period of 12 months. WalesOnline