JAKE GRIFFITHS FROM WESTBURY-ON-TRYM SHOCKS BRISTOL WITH CRUELTY TO DOG ON GLOUCESTER ROAD

In a disturbing incident that unfolded on the busy Gloucester Road in Bristol during July 2017, Jake Griffiths, a resident of Westbury-on-Trym, was caught on camera engaging in shocking acts of animal cruelty involving his dog. Witnesses reported that Griffiths, born on August 7, 1992, and residing at Ringwood Crescent in Westbury-on-Trym, was seen swinging his dog around by the lead and repeatedly kicking the animal in the street, causing alarm among passers-by.

The dog, a brindle-coloured Staffordshire bull terrier named Buddy, was only nine months old at the time. Eyewitnesses described how Griffiths was attempting to train Buddy in a manner that was both frightening and harmful. He was seen lifting the dog by the lead, which was tied around Buddy’s neck, an act that witnesses described as almost resembling a noose. Following this, Griffiths was observed kicking the dog several times before dragging him along the road.

Concerned by the cruelty they witnessed, bystanders intervened and attempted to stop Griffiths. They managed to hold him until police officers arrived at the scene. The police promptly arrested Griffiths, who was taken into custody for his actions. The incident drew significant attention due to the severity of the abuse inflicted on the young dog.

Following the arrest, the RSPCA became involved and took custody of Buddy. Fortunately, the dog was able to recover from his traumatic experience and was later made available for rehoming through the RSPCA’s efforts.

At Bristol Magistrates Court, Griffiths faced charges under the Animal Welfare Act. He admitted to two offences, which included causing unnecessary suffering to Buddy and employing training methods that were frightening, harmful, and potentially painful. The court imposed a lifetime ban on Griffiths from keeping any animals, a penalty that reflects the seriousness of his actions.

During the proceedings, Griffiths explained to magistrates that he struggled with alcohol problems, which contributed to his short temper and his mistreatment of Buddy. Despite claiming to love the dog, he acknowledged that his behavior was unacceptable. Magistrates and officials involved in the case emphasized that such excuses do not justify animal cruelty.

Inspector Simon Coombs of the RSPCA expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “That is still no excuse for treating an animal so badly and I’m really pleased with the sentence.” He also noted that Griffiths signed over custody of Buddy to the RSPCA immediately after the incident, and the dog was rehomed shortly thereafter.

In addition to the lifetime ban on keeping animals, Griffiths received a one-year community order. This included 20 days of rehabilitation activities and a six-month alcohol treatment program. He was also ordered to pay costs amounting to £300 and an £85 victim surcharge. The court made it clear that Griffiths would not be able to appeal his lifetime animal ban for ten years.

Local authorities and animal welfare organizations praised the witnesses who intervened and helped prevent further harm. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and intervention in cases of animal cruelty, and the legal system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable animals from such abuse.