TIPTON MAN ISAAC MCFARLANE ABUSES SHIBA INU PUPPY YOSHIKO IN HORRIFIC INCIDENT

Isaac McFarlane, a resident of Upper Church Lane in Tipton, was convicted in 2020 of severe animal cruelty after a disturbing incident involving a young Shiba Inu named Yoshiko. The case, which garnered attention at Birmingham Magistrates Court, revealed the extent of McFarlane’s violent and neglectful treatment towards the defenseless puppy.

According to court proceedings, a witness observed McFarlane physically abusing Yoshiko on February 16, 2019. The witness reported seeing McFarlane tether the small dog on a short leash and then pour water over her, an act that appeared to be intended to intimidate or harm. The witness further described how McFarlane lifted Yoshiko completely off the ground by her front paw and, on another occasion, by her tail, both times with all four paws suspended in the air. These actions demonstrated a clear pattern of cruelty and disregard for the animal’s well-being.

Following the report, RSPCA inspector Vicki Taylor visited McFarlane’s address to investigate the allegations. Upon arrival, she observed Yoshiko lying on the grass in the garden. The inspector noted that the dog appeared slow, stiff, and uncomfortable when attempting to stand, resembling an older dog suffering from arthritis. Yoshiko struggled to get up and then lay back down, indicating possible injury or distress.

When Ms. Taylor approached McFarlane and requested to see his dog, Yoshiko exhibited signs of fear and nervousness. The puppy immediately backed away, cowering and turning her head away, with her tail tucked between her legs. McFarlane then picked Yoshiko up and brought her into the house. Inside, Yoshiko walked stiffly into a kitchen crate and lay at the back, showing reluctance and signs of pain, especially when trying to exit the crate. The inspector expressed her concerns to McFarlane, who admitted that Yoshiko looked stiff but denied causing any harm to her.

Ms. Taylor requested permission to have Yoshiko examined by a veterinarian. McFarlane consented, but the puppy was unable to walk to the vehicle due to her injury and had to be carried. A veterinary examination confirmed that Yoshiko was suffering from lameness in her right forelimb, likely caused by soft tissue injury, consistent with the witness’s account of her being lifted improperly. The vet’s findings indicated that Yoshiko had been subjected to physical trauma, which explained her stiffness and discomfort.

Since her rescue, Yoshiko has made significant progress under the care of the RSPCA. She is now in a foster home and is expected to be adopted. Inspector Taylor described her as a playful and confident dog, typical of her breed, and expressed satisfaction with her recovery. She emphasized that Yoshiko’s case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of cruelty.

In sentencing, McFarlane received an 18-month community order, which includes 200 hours of unpaid work and a requirement to participate in 20 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, he was ordered to pay fines and charges totaling £1,085. Most notably, he was banned from keeping any animals for a period of ten years, a measure intended to prevent future abuse and protect vulnerable animals in the community.