March 2021 Terrified dog found covered in blood near axe after horrific attack A cruel and cowardly dad and son have been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after battering a defenceless puppy in a despicable attack. Police found small white terrier Ted covered in blood and suffering from horrific injuries after he was attacked by the pair. Russell Marriner, 56, and son William, 20, insisted the puppy had attacked them but neither were able to show any wounds, while little Ted’s blood was splattered throughout the living room. “He was covered in dried blood and he had a significant wound to the top of his head. The officers found further bloodstains throughout the living room including on a blood-covered metal vegetable steamer, on an axe and blood smeared on a cardboard box. Vets found Ted had bruising to his upper lip, a fractured tooth and a wound affecting his gums as well as bruising to his tongue, left eye and pinnae of both ears. After clipping his fur, the vet found small, circular wounds consistent with the pattern of holes on the metal vegetable steamer. Radiographs also revealed Ted had a dislocated hip. The pup has since found a new home through the organisation’s York Animal Centre “where he will receive the love and attention that he deserves.” The Marriners were both given 18-week prison sentences suspended for 18 months at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court earlier this month. They are also banned from keeping animals for 10 years. The pair were also both ordered to attend a six-month alcohol treatment program.