HORRIFIC CRUELTY BY JAMIE WEIR AND LISA HURST IN BIRKENHEAD: DOG TORTURED AND SET ON FIRE

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Birkenhead, Jamie Weir, born on September 26, 1995, was found guilty of inflicting unimaginable suffering on a dog named Jack, a Staffy cross. The incident, which involved brutal acts of hanging, stabbing, and burning, took place on Home Farm Road, Birkenhead, and has left a lasting scar on those who value animal welfare.

According to court records, Weir admitted to causing unnecessary pain and suffering to Jack, which ultimately led to the dog’s death. During a police interview, Weir confessed that he carried out the horrific acts because he “had never liked the dog,” revealing a disturbing lack of remorse. The cruelty was carried out in a manner that suggested a complete disregard for the animal’s suffering.

The investigation was triggered after the RSPCA received a report on November 18, 2015, about a dog that had been half-buried in a garden located on Corbyn Street, Wallasey. Inspector Anthony Joynes responded to the call and visited the property to examine the scene. His findings were shocking. The post-mortem examination of Jack revealed severe injuries consistent with sustained torture, including multiple stab wounds and signs of physical abuse.

Inspector Joynes described the horrific details of the case, stating, “The dog, who belonged to Jamie’s then-girlfriend’s mother, Lisa Hurst, went through a nightmare of abuse. Jack was beaten with a stick, hung from his collar on a coat hook on the wall, and stabbed numerous times. It is likely that Jack was already dying when he was taken outside into the garden and set on fire before being hastily buried.”

Further investigations uncovered that Jack’s blood was found smeared on the walls of the house, on a radiator, and near a door, indicating the extent of the violence inflicted upon him. Inspector Joynes expressed his revulsion at the cruelty, saying, “It is sickening to think what Jack endured. He was tormented and tortured in the worst possible way, with no chance of escape. The pain and fear he must have experienced are beyond comprehension. It still sickens me today.”

Jamie Weir was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, to run consecutively with a four-year sentence he was already serving. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs of £536 and a victim surcharge of £115. He was also disqualified from keeping animals for life, a measure aimed at preventing future cruelty.

Lisa Hurst, born on August 26, 1969, and residing most recently on Laird Street, Birkenhead, was also brought to justice. She admitted in court that she failed to prevent her dog, Jack, from being subjected to torture and death. Hurst acknowledged her responsibility for the dog at the time of his suffering and admitted that she did not take reasonable steps to prevent the cruelty. The court heard that she had previously cared for Jack in what was described as “absolutely appalling conditions,” although she had looked after him “quite well” before the incident.

Hurst was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and was placed under a 12-month probation order. She was also ordered to pay £300 in costs and was banned from keeping any animals for life. The case has left a lasting impact on the community and highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and action against animal cruelty in Birkenhead.