OLDHAM MAN CHRIS GALLIER SHOT PET DOG ROXY IN HORRIFIC INCIDENT

In a disturbing case that shocked the community of Oldham, Christopher Gallier, born on 26 February 1987 and residing on Canal Street, was found guilty of a brutal act involving his pet dog, Roxy. The incident took place in March 2010, when Gallier deliberately shot the Sharpei-type dog in the neck using an airgun, causing severe injury and distress.

Initially, Gallier attempted to deceive authorities by claiming that Roxy had been injured by shards of glass in his backyard. He later changed his story, asserting that a pellet had ricocheted and unintentionally hit the dog. However, medical examinations and x-ray imaging painted a different picture. The scans revealed a pellet lodged deep within Roxy’s neck muscles, indicating a deliberate act of violence rather than an accidental injury. The injury was serious enough to cause her ongoing pain over several days, highlighting the severity of the attack.

Following the incident, Gallier admitted to shooting Roxy during a shooting spree inside his own home. He also failed to seek veterinary treatment for her injuries and neglected to maintain a hygienic and hazard-free environment for his pets, which further compounded the case against him. Roxy was fortunate to survive after undergoing surgery to remove the pellet. Subsequently, both Roxy and another dog under Gallier’s care were surrendered to the RSPCA in August 2010, marking the end of their association with him.

In the courtroom, Gallier pleaded guilty to charges of shooting the dog, neglecting her veterinary needs, and failing to provide a safe environment for his animals. The court sentenced him to two months in prison, though the sentence was suspended for one year, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. Additionally, Gallier was banned from keeping animals for life, a measure intended to prevent him from harming any future pets.

This case drew significant attention from the local community and animal welfare advocates, highlighting the importance of strict penalties for animal cruelty and the need for responsible pet ownership in Oldham.