CONVICTED CONSETT MAN CHRISTOPHER SMITH BEATS PUPPY IN SHOCKING ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the community of Consett, Christopher Smith, known locally as Chrissy Smith and residing at Rutland Place, was found guilty of subjecting a defenseless seven-month-old puppy to a brutal five-minute assault. The incident, which took place in March 2023, was captured on a mobile phone by distressed members of the public and subsequently handed over to the RSPCA, leading to Smith’s prosecution.

According to court proceedings, Smith admitted to inflicting blunt force trauma on Lazarus, the young pocket bully-type dog. The footage revealed a harrowing scene where the puppy, visibly frightened and attempting to pull away, was repeatedly struck by Smith. In the video, Lazarus is seen cowering and trying to escape as Smith raises his arms and delivers heavy blows to the dog’s back and shoulders with an unidentified object. The sound of a loud, forceful slap can be heard during the attack, underscoring the violence inflicted upon the helpless animal.

Following the investigation, RSPCA inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws visited Smith’s home on April 4. During her evidence in court, she stated that Smith confessed to being intoxicated at the time and losing his temper. She described Lazarus as a friendly but boisterous puppy around her, noting that the dog appeared to be wary of Smith. Smith confirmed ownership of Lazarus but revealed that he had not taken the dog to a veterinarian since the incident or at any other time while in his care.

Inspector Keogh-Laws was granted permission by Smith to take Lazarus for veterinary examination. She was advised to remove hazardous items from Smith’s kitchen and stairs, but Smith declined to voluntarily surrender the dog to the RSPCA. The video footage was shown to a veterinarian, who later examined Lazarus and concluded that the puppy had suffered injuries consistent with the attack. Lazarus was taken into police custody under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and was prescribed pain relief for three days. Fortunately, the veterinarian reported that Lazarus appeared to have no lasting injuries.

In his official statement, the vet explained that Lazarus had been caused to suffer due to the physical assault caught on camera. The vet emphasized that the owner’s actions failed to meet the basic standards of care and kindness required for animal welfare. He noted that the suffering was moderately intense and warned that if the contact had been made to more vulnerable areas, such as the face, the injuries could have been life-threatening. The vet also highlighted the psychological impact on Lazarus, stating that the fear experienced during the attack could compromise the dog’s sense of safety and well-being in the future.

After the case concluded, Inspector Keogh-Laws expressed her condemnation of Smith’s actions. She stated, “Smith inflicted appalling and totally unnecessary violence on this young dog. Members of the public were equally concerned by what they witnessed, and we’d like to thank them for providing us with the footage which has ensured Smith has been held to account for his actions.”

Lazarus remains in the care of the RSPCA, where he is doing well and is expected to be rehomed by the charity. Smith was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 20 days of rehabilitation, and was fined £80. Additionally, he received a five-year ban from owning dogs, although he has the right to appeal after two years, with the ban expiring in September 2028.