MAT HOUGHTON SENTENCED IN BIRMINGHAM FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY AGAINST PUPPY ACE

Mathew Houghton, born around 1994 and residing in Lewis Close, Willenhall WV12 4EF, was convicted in 2025 for severely injuring his six-month-old Staffy puppy, Ace, after losing his temper. Houghton admitted to an animal welfare offence after Ace was found at his home on April 11, 2025, with multiple serious injuries. The police seized Ace and contacted the RSPCA for help.

Veterinary examinations at the RSPCA's Birmingham Animal Hospital revealed Ace had sustained a cut on his head, a laceration across his left ear, a puncture wound on his cheek, grazing on his lower jaw, bleeding behind both eyes, and a fractured canine tooth. The vet reported that Ace had endured a prolonged and brutal assault.

The veterinarian explained: "The term suffering in this case applies firstly to physical injury resulting in pain and discomfort. The force of trauma required to cause a fracture of the canine tooth as well as corneal ulceration and laceration of the ear is considerable."

They added: "Secondly, the term suffering also applied to emotional and psychological distress imposed on this animal during this incident."

Further contextualizing Ace's distress, the vet stated: "It is likely that as well as suffering acutely from emotional distress at the time of this incident, Ace may have also experienced feelings of fear and distress due to being in an unpredictable and potentially dangerous environment. A reasonable owner would not inflict pain on their animal and there is no justification for this incident, meaning the suffering in this case is entirely unnecessary."

During the court hearing, mitigation was provided with Houghton expressing remorse and acknowledging that he had lost his temper. He claimed difficulties in training Ace and stated that he had been bitten by the dog.

RSPCA Inspector Jack Alderson, who investigated the case, commented: "Animals feel pain, fear and distress, just as we do, and deserve to always be safe from harm. It’s never acceptable to subject an animal to violent treatment or cause an animal harm in this way."

Following the incident, Ace was placed in the care of the RSPCA and has since been rehomed.

Houghton was sentenced to a 24-month community order, which includes 150 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation. He was also ordered to pay £464 in costs. Additionally, he faced a lifetime ban from owning animals, though he can appeal after ten years.