JON SOLEY CRUELTY CASE IN DARLINGTON: DOG KICKED AND BEATEN WITH DEAD RABBIT

Jon Soley, also known by the surname Zanetti, was at the center of a disturbing animal cruelty case that unfolded in Darlington. Born on October 13, 1980, Soley was initially residing at Corbridge Crescent, Darlington DL1 2QH. By October 2019, he had moved to Elliott Court, Darlington DL1 4FF. The case gained significant attention after footage emerged showing Soley engaging in violent acts against his pet dog.

Video evidence played in court revealed Soley forcefully kicking his Patterdale Terrier, named Billy, in the ribs. The footage also captured him repeatedly hitting the dog in the face with a dead rabbit, an act that drew shock and outrage from viewers. Witnesses present during the incident could be heard laughing and cheering as Soley continued to strike Billy with the deceased animal, an act that clearly demonstrated a blatant disregard for the animal’s well-being.

Despite the severity of the footage, Soley initially denied causing unnecessary suffering to his dog. He also claimed he had not sought veterinary treatment for Billy’s mouth ulcer, asserting that it did not seem to cause the dog any discomfort. However, after a trial, the court found him guilty of cruelty to his dog. In addition to the animal cruelty charges, Soley admitted to two offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which involved possessing a cage trap and attempting to take a wild bird.

Kevin Campbell, representing the RSPCA as the prosecutor, stated in court: “He struck the dog and caused it to suffer. Anyone who treats a dog like that causes it to suffer.” The case highlighted the seriousness of animal cruelty and the importance of enforcement to protect vulnerable animals.

During the proceedings, Soley’s legal representative, John Grierson, emphasized that his client had no prior convictions related to animal cruelty. Grierson acknowledged that the footage was disturbing but pointed out that Soley had kept dogs throughout his life and had no previous record of such offenses. He also explained that Soley had not sought treatment for Billy’s mouth ulcer because it appeared to be minor and not causing the dog any apparent pain.

Grierson added that Billy was a cherished family pet, often taken out for walks with the children, and expressed the hope that Soley would regret losing his dog. The case was part of a broader effort to combat animal cruelty in Darlington, with Soley being arrested during dawn raids in May of the previous year as part of Operation Stockholm. This joint initiative between the RSPCA and Darlington police aimed to address and reduce instances of animal abuse in the area.

Following the court hearing, RSPCA Chief Inspector Mark Gent expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that he hoped the case would serve as a deterrent to others. He remarked: “This is a prime example of where we have undertaken a joint operation focusing on things that have been put on the internet and brought those people to justice.”

As part of the court’s ruling, Billy was handed over to the RSPCA for care. Magistrates also ordered the destruction of the mobile phone used to record the incident and the bird cages found in Soley’s possession. In addition, Soley was sentenced to pay £1,620 in costs, charges, and veterinary fees. He received a 12-month community order requiring 80 hours of unpaid work and was subjected to a three-year ban on keeping animals, which expired in September 2017.