KALSON ABBEY'S CRUELTY IN MACCLESFIELD: DOG BEATINGS AND KITTEN ABUSE REVEALED

Kalson Abbey, a resident of Devon Close in Macclesfield, has been found guilty of severe animal cruelty after a series of disturbing incidents involving his pets. The case, which drew significant attention from local residents and animal welfare authorities, uncovered a pattern of violent abuse directed at a six-month-old Northern Inuit dog named Mishka, as well as the mistreatment of a young kitten called Missy.

For over three months, neighbours in the cul-de-sac where Abbey lived became increasingly concerned about the welfare of Mishka. Witnesses reported hearing aggressive shouts of “bad dog” emanating from Abbey’s home, accompanied by the terrified yelps of Mishka, who was subjected to repeated beatings. The dog’s coat was found to be bloodstained, and she bore horrific bruising beneath her fur, indicating the severity of the abuse she endured.

According to reports, Abbey, a former soldier, used a braided strap to whip Mishka during these “punishment” episodes, which were allegedly triggered by her soiling his carpet. Despite claims from Abbey that he regularly fed and walked Mishka, neighbours observed him holding her off the ground by a lead around her neck, a clear sign of mistreatment. The neighbours, distressed by the ongoing cruelty, decided to intervene after witnessing one of the assaults firsthand. They confronted Abbey at his doorstep and insisted he surrender Mishka, which he did.

Following her rescue, Mishka was taken to the RSPCA, where veterinary examinations revealed extensive bruising and superficial lacerations consistent with injuries caused by a braided strap or similar object. The vet’s findings confirmed the physical trauma Mishka had suffered over the months of abuse. A police officer and an RSPCA inspector also noted Mishka’s emotional distress, which was evident during her examination.

In addition to the physical injuries, the case was further compounded by evidence from Abbey’s former girlfriend, who provided a video recording in which Abbey was heard shouting at Mishka, “bad dog Mishka, bad dog Mishka.” Prosecutor Claire Aldridge highlighted that Abbey’s aggressive behaviour extended beyond physical abuse, contributing to a pattern of emotional trauma inflicted upon the animal. She emphasized that even a healthy dog could become a victim of abuse under such circumstances.

During the court proceedings, Abbey denied causing unnecessary suffering, claiming he was the victim of a “vendetta.” His defence lawyer, John Gallagher, argued that Abbey’s health issues, including two prolapsed discs, prevented him from harming Mishka and announced plans to appeal the conviction. However, the court’s bench, led by Shelagh Mayer, dismissed these claims, stating that the prolonged nature of the abuse and the evidence of intent indicated clear cruelty.

As a result of the conviction, Abbey received a six-week custodial sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to pay £250 towards the prosecution costs, which amounted to £5,000, and was banned from keeping any animals for five years, a restriction that expired in March 2018. RSPCA officer Emma Timmis expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We are very happy that he has been given a ban and thankfully Mishka is not going back to him.”

In a separate incident in November 2020, Abbey faced further charges related to the abuse of a kitten named Missy. The RSPCA launched an investigation after a concerned member of the public reported the injured kitten, which was found struggling outside Abbey’s property. An inspection by Inspector Jenny Bethel revealed that Missy had difficulty walking, and despite her owner’s refusal to take her to the vet initially, the kitten was eventually taken to a veterinary clinic by a neighbour.

Veterinary examinations confirmed that Missy had suffered fractures to her left hip joint and thigh bones, injuries consistent with high-energy blunt force trauma. The injuries indicated that Missy had been subjected to significant violence, likely outside the home, as Abbey claimed she had not been outside his garden. The vet noted that the injuries resembled those caused by a road traffic accident, and the kitten had been in pain for at least two weeks before receiving treatment.

Abbey, who was already under a lifetime ban from keeping animals due to his previous conviction, admitted to the charges. During the hearing, he claimed that Missy was a stray he found and that she had dragged her leg due to inbreeding. He also stated that he intended to take her to the vet but that she went missing before he could do so. The court sentenced Abbey to a lifetime ban on keeping animals, along with a fine of £80, costs of £500, and a victim surcharge of £32. The RSPCA successfully rehomed Missy, who now enjoys a better life, free from her past suffering.

These cases highlight the ongoing concerns about animal cruelty in Macclesfield and the importance of vigilant community members and authorities working together to protect vulnerable animals from abuse.