MARTIN HOWELLS FROM ELY STRANGLES PUPPY IN CARDIFF - HORRIFIC CRIME SHOCKS LOCAL COMMUNITY
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Ely Animal Abuser
Martin Gareth Howells, a man originally from Ely, Cardiff, became the focus of a disturbing animal cruelty case that has left the local community in shock. Born on June 4, 1989, Howells was convicted in 2011 for the brutal killing of a 12-week-old mastiff-type puppy named Jessie. The incident took place in Crossways Road, Ely, where Howells resided with his then-partner, Jade Tarr.
According to reports, Howells twisted the collar of the young dog, effectively garrotting her in a manner that caused her death. A post-mortem examination confirmed that Jessie had died from strangulation, with the veterinary report indicating that the death involved sustained pressure, resulting in an extremely painful and stressful demise for the puppy. The details of the case revealed a chilling act of cruelty that shocked animal lovers and residents alike.
Following the tragic event, Howells buried Jessie’s body in the backyard of the house he shared with Ms. Tarr. The very next day, an RSPCA inspector arrived at the scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding the puppy’s death. During questioning, Howells claimed that the dog had attempted to attack their two-year-old daughter, Karla. He told the inspector, “I’m not going to lie to you, mate. The dog went for my daughter and I had to kill it.”
However, evidence presented in court painted a different picture. The magistrates heard that Howells had been warning others that Jessie was an annoyance and that he wanted to get rid of her. The RSPCA prosecutor pointed out that there was no evidence to suggest the dog had shown any aggression. In fact, the breed of the dog was considered unlikely to be aggressive, and there was testimony indicating Howells had expressed intentions to remove or sell the dog before the incident. Witnesses revealed that Howells had told a neighbor he planned to kick the dog out into the street if it was still there after a certain date, and that he considered the dog a burden.
In addition to the animal cruelty charges, Howells was found guilty in his absence of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and neglecting to protect it from pain. His criminal record also includes a separate incident from October 2010, where he pleaded guilty to assaulting Ms. Tarr. During that altercation, he grabbed her in a headlock and punched her in the ribs and face while their young daughter watched.
Prosecutor Mike Evans highlighted that Howells’ prolonged drug use had significantly altered his temperament, leading to increased aggression and threatening behavior. He explained that Howells had threatened Ms. Tarr and even threatened to harm the dog, which added to the severity of his actions. After Jessie’s death, Ms. Tarr reportedly began to take his threats more seriously, indicating the impact of his violent tendencies.
The court sentenced Howells to six months in prison and imposed a lifetime ban on keeping animals. Sadly, in August 2020, it was reported that Martin Howells had died, apparently by taking his own life, adding a tragic end to a case that had already shocked the community of Ely and Cardiff.
According to reports, Howells twisted the collar of the young dog, effectively garrotting her in a manner that caused her death. A post-mortem examination confirmed that Jessie had died from strangulation, with the veterinary report indicating that the death involved sustained pressure, resulting in an extremely painful and stressful demise for the puppy. The details of the case revealed a chilling act of cruelty that shocked animal lovers and residents alike.
Following the tragic event, Howells buried Jessie’s body in the backyard of the house he shared with Ms. Tarr. The very next day, an RSPCA inspector arrived at the scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding the puppy’s death. During questioning, Howells claimed that the dog had attempted to attack their two-year-old daughter, Karla. He told the inspector, “I’m not going to lie to you, mate. The dog went for my daughter and I had to kill it.”
However, evidence presented in court painted a different picture. The magistrates heard that Howells had been warning others that Jessie was an annoyance and that he wanted to get rid of her. The RSPCA prosecutor pointed out that there was no evidence to suggest the dog had shown any aggression. In fact, the breed of the dog was considered unlikely to be aggressive, and there was testimony indicating Howells had expressed intentions to remove or sell the dog before the incident. Witnesses revealed that Howells had told a neighbor he planned to kick the dog out into the street if it was still there after a certain date, and that he considered the dog a burden.
In addition to the animal cruelty charges, Howells was found guilty in his absence of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and neglecting to protect it from pain. His criminal record also includes a separate incident from October 2010, where he pleaded guilty to assaulting Ms. Tarr. During that altercation, he grabbed her in a headlock and punched her in the ribs and face while their young daughter watched.
Prosecutor Mike Evans highlighted that Howells’ prolonged drug use had significantly altered his temperament, leading to increased aggression and threatening behavior. He explained that Howells had threatened Ms. Tarr and even threatened to harm the dog, which added to the severity of his actions. After Jessie’s death, Ms. Tarr reportedly began to take his threats more seriously, indicating the impact of his violent tendencies.
The court sentenced Howells to six months in prison and imposed a lifetime ban on keeping animals. Sadly, in August 2020, it was reported that Martin Howells had died, apparently by taking his own life, adding a tragic end to a case that had already shocked the community of Ely and Cardiff.