WAKEFIELD MAN CRAIG PRICE CONVICTED OF ANIMAL ABUSE IN HORRIFIC DOG ATTACK

Craig Anthony Price, a resident of Lower Warrengate in Wakefield with strong ties to Castleford and Pontefract, has been found guilty of inflicting severe cruelty upon two dogs, Moschino and Snowy. The incident, which shocked the local community, took place in the back garden of his property in Keswick Drive, Castleford, on December 29, 2022.

According to eyewitness reports, Price was seen dragging his bull mastiff, Moschino, by the scruff of his neck from his home. Witnesses observed him then picking up a large shovel with a metal end and striking the dog twice on the head. Following this brutal assault, Price reportedly stamped on Moschino’s head with his knee while the dog was helpless on the ground. The witnesses, distressed by the cruelty, promptly contacted the RSPCA to report the incident.

Law enforcement and animal welfare officials responded swiftly. An RSPCA inspector, accompanied by a police officer, visited Price’s residence to investigate the allegations. During questioning, Price initially appeared calm but quickly became irate when asked about the incident. The inspector’s written statement detailed how Price immediately recognized the subject of the inquiry. He claimed that he had taken the dog outside and shouted at him but denied using any physical force. Price also stated that a shovel was present for cleaning up after the dogs but insisted he had not hit Moschino with it.

Despite his denials, Price’s behavior grew increasingly aggressive, and he refused to allow the RSPCA to examine the dogs at the scene. As a result, police seized Moschino and Snowy, transporting them to an RSPCA hospital for assessment. Veterinary examinations revealed that Moschino was limping due to a soft tissue injury and exhibited signs of fear and nervousness. The vet, who provided a written statement, indicated that based on eyewitness accounts, the physical abuse likely lasted for at least several minutes, possibly longer, and that Price had failed to protect the animals from pain and suffering.

Further evidence was presented by a clinical animal behaviorist, who testified that the environment Price provided for his dogs was unsafe and unpredictable, leading to anxiety, discomfort, and helplessness. The behaviorist emphasized that such suffering could have been avoided or minimized if Price had not subjected the dogs to physical violence and fear-inducing behavior. The court heard that Price showed no signs of retaliation or provocation that would justify the continued abuse, and there was no reason for the suffering to persist as long as it did.

On February 26, 2024, the court convicted Price of causing unnecessary suffering to Moschino and Snowy. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 300 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £366 in costs and a victim surcharge of £114. Importantly, Price was disqualified from keeping animals for life.

Following his conviction, Price immediately lodged an appeal. The two dogs remain in the care of the RSPCA, receiving ongoing support and monitoring. It was also revealed that Price is a director of a flooring supply company called Price Carpets Ltd, although that business appears to have ceased trading. In October 2023, he established a second company, A Brush Painting & Decorators, which is currently operational.