KRIS CONROY FROM WEYMOUTH SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO PUPPY WITH BROKEN LEG IN DORSET

Kris Conroy, born on May 5, 1984, and residing at 41 Brisbane Road in Weymouth, has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. The incident involved a six-month-old American bulldog named Karma, who suffered a broken leg after an apparent accident on December 22, 2019. Despite the severity of her injury and her evident pain, Conroy failed to seek immediate veterinary assistance, leaving the puppy in distress for a period of 18 days.

Conroy’s neglect came to light when the RSPCA intervened. The organization’s inspector, Marie Griffiths, described the scene in court, stating, “I have never seen such a traumatised dog.” The police were called to Conroy’s residence after neighbors reported hearing the puppy screaming in pain. Officers advised Conroy to take Karma to a veterinarian, which he did within 24 hours. However, the delay in seeking proper medical care resulted in the dog enduring significant suffering.

Prosecutor Matthew Knight, representing the RSPCA, emphasized the gravity of the situation, explaining, “Dogs have similar pain thresholds to people. The lack of action left the dog in a state of considerable pain and suffering.” Veterinary scans confirmed that Karma’s leg was indeed broken, and the dog was subsequently seized by the RSPCA on January 8, 2020. Since then, she has been in boarding care under the charity’s supervision.

In court, Conroy pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. The court sentenced him to a 12-month community order, including probation, and ordered him to pay costs and charges amounting to £300. Additionally, he was banned from owning or caring for any dog for a period of 18 months, a ban that expired in October 2022. Despite the relatively lenient sentence, the case highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the responsibilities of pet owners in Weymouth and beyond.