CONSETT MAN CHRISTOPHER SMITH BANNED FROM DOG OWNERSHIP AFTER BRUTAL ATTACK ON PUPPY

In September 2023, a disturbing incident unfolded in Consett, County Durham, where a man named Christopher Smith was caught on camera viciously assaulting his seven-month-old puppy, Lazarus. The footage, captured by a member of the public, vividly depicts Smith subjecting the young dog to a brutal five-minute beating, an act that has since sparked widespread condemnation and led to legal action.

According to reports, Smith, aged 32 and commonly known as Chrissy Smith, was visibly intoxicated at the time of the attack. He claimed to have been drunk when he carried out the assault, which involved hitting Lazarus with an unknown object on his back and shoulders. The video shows the puppy attempting to pull away and cower in fear as Smith raises his arms and strikes him repeatedly. The sound of forceful slaps echoes through the footage, highlighting the severity of the abuse.

Following the circulation of the footage, authorities launched an investigation. RSPCA inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws visited Smith at his residence in Consett to assess the situation. During her visit, Smith admitted to losing his temper while under the influence of alcohol. Inspector Keogh-Laws reported that Lazarus appeared friendly and lively around her but was notably shy and wary of Smith, indicating possible prior mistreatment. Smith confirmed ownership of Lazarus but revealed he had not taken the dog to a veterinarian since the incident or at any other time during his care.

Smith consented to the inspector taking Lazarus for a veterinary examination. He was advised to remove hazardous items from his kitchen and stairs to ensure the dog's safety but refused to voluntarily surrender ownership of Lazarus to the RSPCA. The vet who examined Lazarus later that day concluded that the puppy had suffered injuries consistent with blunt force trauma inflicted during the attack. As a result, Lazarus was taken into police custody under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Fortunately, the puppy was placed on pain relief for three days and showed no signs of long-term injury, though he required ongoing care.

During the court proceedings, Smith admitted to causing the injuries to Lazarus through the use of force. He was subsequently sentenced to a community order, which includes 20 days of rehabilitation, and fined £80. Additionally, he received a five-year ban from owning or keeping dogs, a penalty that can be appealed after just two years. Lazarus remains in the care of the RSPCA, where he is doing well and is expected to be rehomed by the charity in the near future. The case has drawn attention to issues of animal cruelty and the importance of accountability for such acts of violence.