BRACKNELL SOLDIER JOE EASTER ABUSES PUPPY CHARLIE NEAR HIS HOME IN LOCHINVER

Joe Mathew Easter, born on June 7, 1990, and residing in Lochinver, Bracknell with the postcode RG12 7LD, was convicted of a heinous act of animal cruelty that shocked the local community. The incident involved the brutal assault of a defenseless 12-week-old Labrador puppy named Charlie, which Easter launched into a wall in a fit of rage before strangling the young dog.

Neighbours in the vicinity of Easter’s residence in Lochinver, Bracknell, witnessed the disturbing scene and reported it to authorities. They described seeing Easter carrying out the vicious attack on the puppy near his home, an act that left the community deeply disturbed and concerned for the welfare of the animal.

Following the reports, RSPCA inspectors responded promptly to Easter’s address. Upon arrival, they found Charlie in a critical condition, struggling to breathe as a result of the severe injuries inflicted during the assault. The inspectors conducted a thorough examination and ordered X-rays, which confirmed that the puppy had sustained at least six broken ribs, along with bloodshot eyes and a swollen face, indicative of the brutal beating he had endured.

Joe Easter, who is known to be a serving soldier, was questioned by the RSPCA. He ultimately pleaded guilty to a charge of causing unnecessary suffering to Charlie, which is a violation of Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act. The charge specifically related to inflicting physical abuse and blunt force trauma on the young dog.

Sharon Chrisp, an investigator from the RSPCA, provided details about the case. She explained that the organization was contacted late at night on August 26, 2017, by an anonymous source who claimed to have witnessed Easter slamming his puppy against a wall within the communal area of the block of flats where he lived. When an officer visited Easter’s address and inquired about the dog, Easter claimed that Charlie had been caught in a door accidentally. However, during a subsequent interview, Easter admitted to losing his temper and confirmed that an incident had occurred, though he refused to provide further details.

Further evidence was obtained from a witness who saw Easter slamming Charlie against a wall three times. The witness expressed their fear for their own safety and hesitated to come forward initially, but ultimately decided to speak out about the incident.

Charlie was seized by police at just 12 weeks old and was taken into foster care. After a period of rehabilitation and care, he was adopted into a loving and permanent home. His foster carer, Amanda Ward, spoke about his progress and personality. She described Charlie as a joyful and entertaining dog who has adapted well to family life. Charlie has learned numerous commands, including ‘Sit’, ‘Down’, ‘Stay’, ‘Roll-over’, ‘Paw’, and ‘Spin’. He enjoys playing with other dogs, especially football and racing around now that he has fully recovered.

Charlie is well-socialized with children, dogs, cats, and even horses, and behaves impeccably around them. Amanda Ward shared that Charlie loves cuddling with her eight-year-old son after playing in the garden, highlighting the positive outcome of his rescue and rehabilitation.

In sentencing, Joe Easter received a two-year community order, was fined £2,692 along with additional costs and charges totaling £470. Furthermore, he was disqualified from keeping pets for ten years, a ban that will expire in 2028. The case garnered significant media attention, with coverage from Bracknell News, Metro, and BBC News, emphasizing the importance of animal welfare and accountability for cruelty.