LOIZOS YDRAIOU'S BRUTAL DOG ATTACK IN LINCOLN LEAVES VICTIM IN PAIN

Loizos Ydraiou, a resident of Arboretum Avenue in Lincoln, was found guilty of a heinous act of animal cruelty involving his pet dog, a lurcher named Oscar. Born in September 1998, Ydraiou’s violent assault on the dog included an attempt to strangle him, causing severe physical and mental trauma.

Ydraiou, who works professionally as a chef, was sentenced to a 12-week prison term, which was suspended for a period of 12 months. In addition to the suspended sentence, he was disqualified from owning or keeping any animals for a duration of five years, a ban that will remain in effect until November 2026. The court also mandated that he complete 20 days of rehabilitation activities, perform 100 hours of unpaid community work, and pay a total of £528 in costs and charges related to the case.

The incident came to light after the RSPCA received a disturbing video that appeared to show Ydraiou strangling Oscar. On April 16, 2021, RSPCA Inspector Laura Jones, accompanied by police officers, responded to the location where the dog was kept. They met with Ydraiou, who was in possession of Oscar at the time, and subsequently took custody of the animal for examination by a veterinarian.

Veterinary experts who examined Oscar reported visible signs of injury and distress. The dog was found to have bloodshot eyes, and during the examination, he exhibited pain when his neck was manipulated. Tenderness and swelling around his throat were also observed. To facilitate a thorough inspection, the fur around Oscar’s neck was shaved, revealing bruising over his laryngeal area.

According to the veterinarian’s report, Ydraiou pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog by inflicting physical violence that resulted in both physical and psychological trauma. The court was shown evidence, including a video that depicted the attack. Inspector Jones described the disturbing scene, stating that Ydraiou appeared to remove a cord from the top of his garden fence, wrap it around his hands, and pull it tight. The video showed him entering a brick shed outbuilding, where a dog’s yelping and barking could be heard. Ydraiou then lifted Oscar by the throat, swinging his full body weight mid-air, causing the dog to make choking sounds.

Inspector Jones recounted that Ydraiou placed Oscar on the ground, still holding his throat, and then restrained him from behind, squeezing his neck with force. The video captured the moment when Ydraiou released his grip, and Oscar appeared to be motionless afterward. The veterinarian emphasized that although the attack was brief, the suffering inflicted was significant. The report stated that Oscar was caused to suffer through being carried by his neck and the application of pressure to his throat, which was both painful and terrifying for the dog. The veterinarian noted that Oscar’s airway was obstructed during the attack, and the sounds he made indicated distress and pain.

Following the assault, Oscar was transferred to the care of the RSPCA, where he received treatment and care. He has since been adopted into a loving new home, free from the cruelty he endured. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing efforts of organizations like the RSPCA to protect vulnerable animals from abuse and neglect.