CHRISTOPHER GRIFFITHS WREXHAM DOG ABUSER WHO CUT OFF PET'S EARS AND HAD COCAINE IN SYSTEM

In a disturbing case that shocked the community of Wrexham, Christopher Matthew Griffiths, a man born on August 11, 1981, was found guilty of inflicting severe injuries on his pet dog, Victor, a Staffy. The incident, which occurred in September 2015, revealed a shocking level of cruelty as Griffiths was caught cutting off the dog's ears using pliers, an act that caused immense pain and suffering to the animal.

Veterinary examinations of Victor uncovered a horrifying sight: the dog had gaping open wounds where his ears had been forcibly removed. Further tests revealed that Victor had cocaine in his system at the time of treatment, indicating that the dog had been exposed to dangerous substances, possibly through Griffiths' own drug use. The veterinarian's report painted a grim picture of neglect and abuse, highlighting the unnecessary pain inflicted upon the innocent animal.

Griffiths, who has been described as a man with a history of drug abuse and a lack of employment, denied the charges, claiming that he was the victim of an assault. He alleged that an unknown attacker had cut off Victor’s ears while he was unconscious, a story that the court dismissed as implausible. His defense did little to sway the court, which found him guilty of causing unnecessary suffering and performing a prohibited procedure on his dog.

RSPCA inspector Kia Thomas, who was involved in the case, expressed her shock upon seeing Victor for the first time. She described the dog's injuries as open wounds and emphasized the pain and distress Victor must have endured. “It was just so heartbreaking. It is awful to imagine what poor Victor went through. It was totally unnecessary,” she said. Since being taken into care, Victor has shown remarkable resilience. Inspector Thomas noted that the dog is affectionate and enjoys cuddles, often seeking comfort on the sofa, which indicates his recovery and gentle nature despite the trauma he endured.

The RSPCA Cymru expressed their satisfaction that Victor had recovered and was now available for adoption, offering hope for a better future for the abused dog. Griffiths was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, with an additional 12 months on probation. He was also disqualified from keeping dogs for ten years, a ban that will last until September 2026.

It is noteworthy that Christopher Matthew Griffiths was found dead at his residence on December 27, 2019. Police responded to the scene and discovered a used syringe near his body. A post-mortem examination concluded that his death was caused by cocaine and heroin toxicity, highlighting a tragic end to a life marred by substance abuse and cruelty. The case remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of animal abuse and drug addiction in the Wrexham area.