DAVID MORTON OF STANLEY SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY AND SECONDARY OFFENSES IN COUNTY DURHAM

David Morton, born circa 1992 and residing on Jane Street, Stanley, DH9 7BH, was convicted in 2020 of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal after neglecting his husky, Sendi, with a broken leg for over four weeks. The injury’s cause remained unspecified.

Morton, who has a history of legal issues, displayed a dismissive attitude at the hearing. He told magistrates he did not care about the charges, stating he “didn’t give a monkey’s,” and declared plans to have two dogs by the weekend.

The case was initiated after a veterinary surgeon raised concerns to the RSPCA about Sendi’s condition. Prosecutor Kevin Campbell explained, “On the 22nd July 2019, the dog was examined by a vet who confirmed she had a fracture to her leg, which was between four and six weeks old. The injury appeared to have been untreated or inadequately treated. The vet concluded that the dog was clearly suffering due to lack of proper care.”

When inspectors visited Morton’s address, they observed Sendi unable to stand on her hind leg. A male at the property identified himself as Morton. When questioned about the dog’s condition, Morton was uncooperative, referred to the inspector as a “donkey,” and told them to “f*** off,” refusing entry and requiring police assistance.

During mitigation, lawyer Paul Donohue stated that Morton did not intentionally harm Sendi and that her injury was accidental. He explained, “He admits the dog did not receive an operation, but this was not due to neglect. He does not have insurance, so he would have paid for treatment if he could. If he had had £5,000 immediately, he would have spent it on the dog. He did not want her to suffer, but lacked the funds.”

Sendi was treated by the RSPCA and remains in their care. The court ordered Morton to pay £480 in costs, banned him from keeping animals for five years (until January 2025), and noted he was already serving a community order for previous offences.

In a later incident reported in August 2022, Morton was detained again after threatening a prison officer by driving threateningly outside HMP Durham and accused of spitting at the officer in the segregation unit. Morton admitted to intimidation and was sentenced to nine months in prison. The original case involving the spitting allegation was scheduled for later hearing in 2022.