JOEL FINLEY FROM FAILSWORTH SHAMES ANIMAL IN MERSEYSIDE CANAL CRUELTY

Joel Samuel Finley, born on November 23, 1990, and formerly residing in Failsworth, Manchester, has been linked to a disturbing act of animal cruelty that took place in Merseyside. As of December 2021, Finley was living on Clifton Road in Birkenhead, with his actions leaving a trail of suffering for an innocent dog named Dingo.

According to reports, Finley viciously assaulted Dingo, a gentle and friendly dog, by beating him around the head with a blunt object. Following the attack, he callously threw the dog into a canal, an act that resulted in severe injuries and life-threatening conditions for the animal. Dingo was found with serious head trauma, including three fractures to his skull, and injuries to his chest, which indicated he had been beaten with significant force. The dog was also suffering from hypothermia, a dangerous condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold water, as he had been left in the canal during the middle of February.

Veterinarian Darragh Kavanagh, who attended to Dingo at Hillcrest Animal Hospital in Chorley, described the extent of the injuries. He stated, “Dingo had been beaten with a blunt object. He had three fractures to his head and skull and we could see he had suffered a beating to his chest because he had air trapped in his lung and had to have the air drained. He was suffering hypothermia from being in the canal in the middle of February. He was in a very distressed state and had marks to his face.”

Despite his injuries, Dingo’s gentle nature was evident. Dr. Kavanagh expressed his compassion for the dog, saying, “He is such a nice dog. I know in my heart he never put up a fight at all. I can see from his gentle and friendly character he would have just taken it. It’s horrible to see what happened to him. People who live locally have said he was left all day, sometimes tied up in lashing rain. He had no love.”

Fortunately, Dingo was rescued and rehomed with a caring family, giving him a chance to recover and live a normal, happy life. His ordeal has sparked outrage among animal welfare advocates and local residents alike.

Police responded to reports of distressing noises, including banging and howling, coming from a property on Smith Street, Adlington. When officers arrived, there was no response at the door. However, Finley approached the officers while carrying Dingo, who was wet and bleeding. Finley claimed he did not live at the address and left the scene, but officers followed him to the canal. Eventually, Finley admitted that the property was his residence.

During questioning, Finley explained that he had given Dingo a ‘crack’ and threw him into the canal as a form of discipline for soiling inside the house. The police seized Dingo, who was unable to move, and transported him to Hillcrest Animal Hospital, where he was placed on a drip for treatment. Further investigations revealed that Finley was involved in producing cannabis at his residence. He subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and producing a class-B drug.

Finley was sentenced to pay £1,172.31 in compensation for Dingo’s veterinary bills and a £60 surcharge. Additionally, he received a five-year ban from owning dogs, although this ban had expired in May 2021. His actions have left a lasting impact on the community and highlight the importance of animal welfare and strict enforcement of animal cruelty laws.