KATY BYARD AND RICHARD MORGAN SENTENCED IN DUDLEY FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE

Katy Byard, born on 13 March 1990 and residing on Stourbridge Road, Brierley Hill, Dudley DY5, along with Richard Luke Morgan, born around 1990 and living at 23 Teasdale Way, Stourbridge DY9 7ET, were convicted in 2025 of causing severe and fatal head injuries to two dogs.

Both pleaded guilty to cruelty charges related to a Chihuahua named Coco and a Jack Russell-type dog called Teddy, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA. The animals suffered horrific injuries while in the care of the couple, which ultimately led to their deaths.

The RSPCA became aware of concerns regarding the welfare of the pets after receiving multiple reports. A veterinarian examined Teddy and found he had a fractured skull, raising suspicions about the circumstances of his death. Subsequently, Coco was brought into vets a few days later with injuries suspected to be inflicted non-accidentally. She exhibited signs of trauma, bruising, and swelling on the left side of her face. The vet reported that she had been kicked so forcefully that her eye had ruptured and her socket was fractured.

The vet stated: "It is clear from the extent of the injuries sustained by both of the dogs that these injuries would not have occurred without significant blunt force trauma being applied."

Coco was transferred to the RSPCA Birmingham Animal Hospital, but despite intensive care from veterinary staff, she tragically died from her injuries. During the trial, Morgan expressed remorse, claiming that Coco’s injury resulted from a single blow with a broom during a "momentary lapse of judgment."

Byard also admitted to kicking Coco in the face, causing injury, describing it as a "momentary lapse of judgment," and stated she was struggling with addiction and a disruptive home environment at the time.

During sentencing, the judge emphasized: "Pets are like children and require love and respect and depend for all of their needs on those looking after them."

At the time of sentencing, Byard was still living on Stourbridge Road but was planning to move in February 2024.

RSPCA Inspector Boris Lasserre, who led the investigation, commented: "This proved to be a most shocking example of non-accidental injuries which led to the death of both dogs. Coco was kicked so hard that her eye ruptured and her fractured eye socket needed repeated surgeries. Teddy suffered a fractured skull from the force of the blows delivered by the very person who was supposed to protect him."

He added: "Animals feel pain and suffering, just like we do, and there is never an excuse for inflicting such violent trauma onto animals. All animal owners have a duty of care and legal responsibility to treat their pets with kindness and compassion."

In terms of sentencing, Richard Morgan was sentenced to 23 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, along with 40 hours of unpaid work, 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement focused on alcohol abstinence, and 120 days of monitoring. Katy Byard received a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. Both were ordered to pay £250 and are banned from owning animals for five years, with the possibility to appeal after three years (until April 2030).