KIERAN MITCHELL PLYMOUTH DOG ABUSE AND DRUG DEALING SHOCKING CRIMES

Kieran John Jerome Mitchell, born on May 27, 1995, and residing on Keswick Crescent in Plymouth, has been at the center of a disturbing case involving animal cruelty and drug-related offenses. The case, which has garnered significant attention, reveals a pattern of violent behavior and neglect that culminated in a severe attack on his pet dog, Hugo.

In November 2017, Mitchell was convicted in his absence of causing unnecessary suffering to Hugo, a bull terrier. The charges stemmed from an incident where Mitchell was recorded taunting and physically assaulting his dog, an act that shocked animal welfare advocates and the local community alike. The RSPCA, the organization responsible for bringing the case to court, had received an anonymous audio recording that captured Mitchell's brutal treatment of Hugo. The recording detailed a sustained attack, during which Mitchell delivered a total of 36 punches, slaps, and hits to the dog’s head and ears.

During the recording, Mitchell can be heard goading Hugo, asking him, “Are you crying now? Whimpering?” This callous behavior underscored the severity of the abuse. The RSPCA intervened by seizing Hugo and taking him to a veterinary clinic for examination. The vet’s assessment revealed three lesions on Hugo’s face, including one near his eye, indicating the extent of the trauma inflicted. The veterinarian described the experience as traumatic for Hugo, noting that he would have experienced terror, fear, pain, and anxiety as a result of the assault.

Mitchell’s connection to the case was further established when he admitted during an interview that he had smacked Hugo and would rub his nose in his feces if the dog fouled on the floor. His behavior and attitude towards the animal demonstrated a blatant disregard for its well-being.

Despite the initial conviction, Mitchell was not immediately brought to justice. He was convicted in his absence in July 2018, and a warrant was issued for his arrest the following month. It was only in March 2020 that Mitchell surrendered himself to authorities. He was subsequently released on bail but failed to attend his next scheduled court hearing. Justice was finally served in September 2020 when Mitchell returned to court to face charges related to drug dealing, which had also been a part of his criminal record.

The magistrate overseeing the case did not hold back in condemning Mitchell’s actions. The presiding officer stated, “You acted in anger against an innocent animal,” emphasizing the cruelty involved. As a result, Mitchell was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115, and was banned from owning any animals for a period of ten years.

Additional details reveal that Mitchell has links to Barnstaple and Ilfracombe, and has previously lived on Wilton Street in Plymouth, with the postcode PL1 5LT. Tragically, Hugo, the victim of Mitchell’s abuse, was later euthanized by police due to being classified as a banned breed, a decision that underscores the severity of the case and the tragic end for the dog.

This case highlights the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and the importance of vigilant enforcement by authorities and welfare organizations to protect vulnerable animals from such heinous acts.