MILFORD HAVEN TEENS ASHDEN KING AND JAKOB GOFFIN COMMIT HORRIFIC CRUELTY ON PET CHICKEN

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Milford Haven, two young individuals, Ashden King and Jakob Goffin, were found guilty of heinous acts of animal cruelty involving a pet chicken named Daisy. The incident, which took place at different locations within Milford Haven, has sparked widespread outrage and concern over youth involvement in such violent acts.

According to court records, Ashden King, born on 24 February 2002 and residing on Sunningdale Drive in Hubberston, along with Jakob Goffin, born around 2003 and living on Woodbine Way, engaged in a brutal attack on Daisy, a tame and beloved pet owned by Michelle Owen. The cruelty inflicted upon Daisy was both prolonged and savage, involving a series of violent acts that culminated in her death. The attack was not only vicious but also documented by the perpetrators themselves, who filmed the entire ordeal and shared the footage on Snapchat for their own sick entertainment.

The horrifying sequence of events included the youths chasing Daisy around her enclosure, setting her alight, and hacking at her neck with garden shears. The cruelty reached its peak when they finally killed her using a pitchfork. Witnesses and investigators described the attack as “gratuitous torture,” emphasizing the brutality and unnecessary suffering inflicted upon the innocent animal. The incident reportedly occurred at the home of a third youth, who was investigated but ultimately not charged in connection with the crime.

During the court proceedings, a veterinary surgeon provided a stark account of the youths’ actions, condemning them as “gratuitous torture” that caused immense suffering to Daisy. The owner of Daisy, Michelle Owen, delivered a heartfelt victim impact statement, which was read aloud in court. She expressed her heartbreak and guilt, recounting how she initially blamed herself for Daisy’s disappearance, believing she had failed to secure the coop properly. Owen described the devastating impact on her family, especially her young children, who were visibly upset and crying over Daisy’s loss.

“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,” Owen said. She further lamented the cruelty of the attack, stating, “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.”

Defense attorney Mike Kelleher acknowledged the severity of the youths’ actions, describing the incident as “reprehensible” and emphasizing that the young offenders are now facing the consequences of their behavior. “This was a cruel and nasty horrible incident. However it started it went horribly, horribly wrong. They are here today to face the consequences,” he stated.

The RSPCA Cymru responded to the case with condemnation, describing the cruelty as “horrifying” and expressing concern over the age of those involved. Inspector Keith Hogben highlighted the brutality of the attack, stating, “This poor chicken was subject to the most horrendous treatment – taken, beaten, stabbed and set alight. I shudder to think what the poor animal went through.” Hogben also emphasized the importance of education and prevention, noting that the youths would participate in the RSPCA’s Breaking the Chain programme, which aims to foster empathy and compassion towards animals.

David Allen, head of education at the RSPCA, underscored the importance of initiatives like Generation Kind, which seeks to instill kindness and empathy in young people through classroom programs, support for vulnerable youth, and youth offender schemes. Allen expressed hope that such efforts would help prevent future acts of cruelty and promote a more compassionate generation.

In court, both Ashden King and Jakob Goffin pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act, specifically causing unnecessary suffering to Daisy. The sentencing included a 12-month referral order, which involves participation in the RSPCA’s intervention initiatives. Additionally, the older youth was ordered to pay £380 in compensation, costs, and charges, while the younger was ordered to pay a total of £400. Both were banned from keeping any animals for a period of 12 months, marking a significant step in holding them accountable for their actions and aiming to prevent future cruelty.