DAVE MEETEER'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN WORKINGTON: GERMAN SHEPHERD TERRORIZED AND RETURNED TO OWNER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Workington, David Meteer, born December 1953 and residing at West Ghyll Place, High Harrington, was convicted of heinous animal cruelty. The incident, which took place on June 17, 2022, involved Meteer violently abusing his own dogs, including a German Shepherd named Brody.

Neighbours in the High Harrington area reported hearing distressing noises coming from Meteer’s residence and subsequently captured footage of his brutal actions. The police responded promptly to these reports, arriving at the address around 7 pm to investigate allegations of animal abuse. Witnesses provided police with videos showing Meteer physically assaulting his dogs in a manner that was both shocking and deeply disturbing.

According to prosecutor Pamela Fee, the footage clearly depicted Meteer lifting Brody, the German Shepherd, and forcefully throwing him into a swimming pool. The videos also showed Meteer strangling the dog and hitting him with a blue pipe, all while shouting offensive and degrading insults such as calling the dog a “blonde bastard” and a “blonde tit.”

The neighbours’ recordings were handed over to the police, who seized the dog and took him to a veterinarian for urgent medical attention. The vet’s examination revealed multiple injuries, including skin lacerations, whip marks, and injuries inside the dog’s mouth. Photographs taken by the vet documented the severity of Brody’s injuries, highlighting the physical suffering inflicted upon him.

During police interviews, Meteer remained silent, refusing to comment on the allegations. However, during his arrest, he admitted to hitting the dog with a pipe and throwing him into the pool, confirming the footage’s authenticity. The court was told that Brody appeared “clearly terrified” by Meteer’s actions, which were described as a “deliberate attempt” to cause suffering.

Despite the evidence and the severity of the abuse, the court’s decision to return the German Shepherds to Meteer’s care was met with outrage. The defence, represented by John Goodwin, argued that Meteer had previously owned dogs for many years and suggested that his actions were a result of losing control following a fight between two of his German Shepherds.

In sentencing, District Judge John Temperley opted against imposing a ban on Meteer’s ability to keep animals. The judge cited numerous references praising Meteer’s character and the efforts made by a dog behaviour expert and anger management programs. As a result, Meteer was given a 12-month community order, which includes an electronic tag, and ordered to pay £6,000 in compensation. Notably, he was allowed to keep five of his seven dogs, despite the evidence of abuse.

This case has sparked widespread concern over animal welfare and the judicial system’s handling of such cases in Workington, raising questions about the protection of vulnerable animals and the responsibilities of pet owners in the community.