MASON LUKEMAN'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN CLACTON-ON-SEA: DOG BEATINGS AND BONE-CRUNCHING INJURIES REVEALED

Mason Lukeman, a man born on 15 February 2002 and residing at Outsoar House, 146 Wellesley Road, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 3QD, has been convicted of heinous animal cruelty offenses. Originally from Penge in South-East London and with connections to Grays in Essex, Lukeman subjected a defenseless dog to relentless physical abuse, resulting in a series of severe injuries that shocked the local community and animal welfare advocates alike.

In a case that has garnered significant attention, Lukeman pleaded guilty to six separate charges related to animal welfare violations. These included two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog named Mulla, who was later renamed Hope. The charges detailed the infliction of physical violence that led to injuries, neglect in providing necessary veterinary care, and failure to protect the animal from further pain, suffering, and injury.

The disturbing case came to light when a lettings agent discovered Mulla confined in a bathroom within Lukeman’s flat on January 9, 2024. The dog was found in a dire state—her head bore fresh cuts, and blood appeared to be dripping from her mouth. She was extremely thin, with ribs prominently visible, and her eyes were red and gunky. Her tail was dislocated, and her teats hung down, indicating neglect and suffering. The agent immediately contacted veterinary services to seek urgent medical attention.

Veterinary examination revealed a horrifying array of injuries consistent with blunt force trauma. Mulla’s face was severely swollen, especially on the right side, with blood-stained saliva oozing from her mouth. Further investigations at the RSPCA Finsbury Park Animal Hospital uncovered multiple fractures, including fractured teeth, a fractured skull, and broken cheekbones—injuries that were determined to be recent. Additional skeletal injuries, such as fractured ribs and a dislocated tail vertebra, were also identified, painting a grim picture of ongoing abuse.

Despite extensive medical treatment, the damage to her eye was so severe that it could not be saved, leading to its later removal. An expert veterinarian, after reviewing all clinical notes and evidence, concluded that Mulla had endured repeated traumatic episodes. The report stated, “It may therefore be concluded that ‘Mulla’ had sustained repetitive traumatic episodes that had resulted in a number of skin injuries, fractured teeth, an injury to the right eye, and multiple skeletal fractures and dislocation of her tail. The injuries discovered on 9/1/24 were as a result of blunt force trauma to the head and face, occurring on or very close to that date, especially considering the fresh bleeding, facial swelling, and blood found in the bathroom.”

Following the court proceedings, Inspector Emma Beynon expressed her shock at the extent of Mulla’s injuries. She emphasized that the injuries spanned her entire body, from her head to her tail, and that evidence suggested multiple episodes of abuse over time. “The sheer amount of severe injuries that Mulla sustained are shocking – and the areas of her body affected were from her head to her tail,” she said. She added that the full extent of her suffering could never be fully known, but the evidence of past injuries indicated repeated mistreatment.

Inspector Beynon praised those involved in rescuing and caring for Mulla, especially highlighting the bravery of the woman who persuaded Lukeman to surrender the dog. She reflected on the emotional toll the case has taken on her and her colleagues, stating, “Her injuries tell a heartbreaking story of a dog who was repeatedly treated in a horrendous way which would have caused her so much pain and suffering. We are so very grateful to everyone who was involved in her rescue and after care.”

She concluded with a firm message, emphasizing that such cruelty will not be tolerated. “I hope the sentence sends out a strong message that animal abuse will not be tolerated in our society and if prosecuted, those will face severe punishment,” she said. The court sentenced Lukeman to 12 months in prison, imposed a £154 victim surcharge, and disqualified him from keeping any animals for life, marking a significant step in the fight against animal cruelty in Clacton-on-Sea.