CONNAR HUDSON'S BRUTAL ATTACK ON BIRMINGHAM-BASED XL BULLY SHOCKS COMMUNITY

In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the Birmingham community, Connar Hudson, a resident of Sutton Coldfield, was found guilty of inflicting severe injuries on his pet dog, Simba, an XL Bully. The assault occurred on the morning of January 29, 2023, at Hudson's address located at Margaret House, 46 Berryfields Road, Sutton Coldfield B72 2UG.

According to reports, the attack was triggered when Simba was reportedly 'jumping around in the bath,' which provoked Hudson's violent response. Neighbors heard the distressing sounds of the dog screaming and shouting coming from Hudson's flat. One resident, concerned by the noise, went downstairs to have a cigarette and overheard the commotion. Unable to understand the exact words, the neighbor described the sounds as shouting and the unmistakable cries of a dog in pain.

Worried about the welfare of the animal, the neighbor decided to record the sounds, although the recording was brief to avoid confrontation. The neighbor then contacted the police, who responded to the scene but, due to limitations in their authority, advised the resident to reach out to the RSPCA. The animal welfare organization dispatched an inspector at 1:36 pm that day.

When the inspector arrived, Hudson allowed entry into his flat. Inside, they found Simba sitting on an armchair, visibly bruised. The inspection revealed extensive cuts and bruising on the dog’s head, consistent with blunt force trauma. The inspector also noted the presence of a second XL Bully at the residence, which appeared unharmed and posed no immediate concern.

Initially, Hudson refused to permit Simba to be taken to a veterinarian for treatment. However, he eventually relented, allowing the dog to be examined. The veterinarian confirmed that Simba had suffered significant injuries, including cuts and bruises, which were consistent with being beaten with an object or by hand. The injuries were described as 'extensive bruising' and inflicted through 'blunt force trauma.'

During the trial, Hudson denied any involvement in hurting Simba. However, he later confessed to the assault after being found guilty of two animal welfare offences. The court heard that Hudson, a known career criminal with previous convictions for burglaries targeting elderly and vulnerable individuals, was struggling with mental health issues at the time of the incident and was not on his medication.

In sentencing, the court imposed a 16-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with a requirement for rehabilitation. Additionally, Hudson was banned from owning or keeping any animals for ten years, a ban that will expire in January 2034. The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about animal cruelty and the importance of community vigilance in Birmingham and surrounding areas.