MARTIN JOHNSON OF CHESTERFIELD SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG SOOTY

Martin Johnson, a resident of Chesterfield, was found guilty of subjecting his dog, Sooty, to a prolonged and brutal assault. The incident took place at Johnson's residence on Wenlock Walk, Grassmoor, Chesterfield, and the case was brought before Chesterfield magistrates’ court on Thursday, May 18, 2017.

Johnson, who also operates as a backyard breeder selling puppies through various Facebook groups, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Sooty. The dog was taken into the care of the RSPCA following the incident and was found to have sustained serious injuries, including a fractured toe, lumps on its spine, and injuries on the top of its head. Despite the severity of the injuries inflicted by Johnson, Sooty eventually recovered and was made available for rehoming through the RSPCA.

Prosecutor Andy Cash detailed the events leading to Johnson’s arrest. On February 9, 2017, the RSPCA received an audio recording capturing Johnson shouting at Sooty. This recording became crucial evidence in the case. Johnson was subsequently arrested, and the dogs involved were recovered by authorities.

During police interviews, Johnson admitted to the acts of cruelty, though he attempted to downplay the severity. He stated, “I did not beat him up I slapped him. I did give him a bit of a pasting. I dragged him outside. I went over the top with him. I raised my fist at him.”

The court played a short clip of the audio, which revealed Johnson shouting commands at Sooty, including, “If I tell you to do something I expect you to do it,” while the dog was clearly distressed. Johnson also ordered the dog to “Shut it,” during which Sooty was heard squealing and whimpering loudly, indicating the distress and pain he was experiencing.

RSPCA inspector Rachel Leafe described the audio as disturbing. She explained, “The audio isn’t very nice at all. It lasts for around five minutes and Sooty can clearly be heard squealing and whimpering loudly while being beaten, and Johnson can be heard shouting and delivering blows to the dog.” She emphasized the importance of the recording, stating, “It would have been difficult for someone to listen to the beating, but we are grateful they had the initiative to record it as it provided the evidence needed to prosecute.”

Further details from the investigation revealed Johnson’s admission that he had given Sooty “a bit of a pasting” because the dog was going to the toilet inside the flat. Johnson also confessed to grabbing the dog by its testicles and making a comment, “You don’t like that, do you?” Additionally, he admitted to pinning Sooty down by his ears to incapacitate him, actions he justified as a response to the dog’s behavior.

Johnson later contacted the national cruelty helpline and admitted to the incidents, acknowledging that he had inflicted harm on Sooty because the dog was “always messing in the flat.”

Despite the abuse, Sooty was described as a friendly and gentle dog. Inspector Leafe noted, “What Sooty went through would have been horrific and he would have been terrified to be around Johnson. But despite what he went through, Sooty is a lovely dog. Johnson told us that he was aggressive, but since he has been in our care he hasn’t shown any nasty traits at all. Sooty is so friendly and we hope he will find a lovely new home soon.”

In sentencing, Johnson received a 12-week prison sentence, which was suspended for 12 months. He was also fined a total of £315 and received an eight-year ban on keeping animals, which expired in May 2024. The case drew attention from local and national animal welfare organizations, highlighting the importance of animal cruelty laws and enforcement.