TERENCE BENNETT SHOCKS SOUTHAMPTON WITH CRUELTY TO PET DOG

A disturbing case has emerged involving a 67-year-old man from Southampton who was found guilty of inflicting unnecessary suffering on his pet dog, an incident that shocked the local community and drew attention to animal cruelty laws. The case came to light after a vigilant neighbour witnessed distressing scenes through a gap in the curtains of Bennett's residence, prompting a police investigation.

According to court proceedings at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court, the neighbour, Kelly Nelson, was walking home from shopping in Gosport with food for her children when she heard what she described as 'sickening' cries of pain emanating from Bennett's home. She testified that the sounds were 'horrible' and unmistakably the distress of an animal in pain. Nelson's account detailed how the cries were 'chilling' and indicated that something was seriously wrong with the dog, which was later identified as Ali, a Staffordshire bull-terrier and Rottweiler cross.

It was revealed that Ali had sustained injuries, which led to her being taken into the care of the RSPCA. The court learned that Bennett had owned Ali for approximately five to eight years, during which time the dog had suffered these injuries. Bennett was arrested and questioned, during which he denied any wrongdoing. He claimed that he had been 'brushing' the dog and insisted that the injuries could have been caused by the dog eating bones, a common but potentially dangerous behavior for dogs.

Despite Bennett's assertions, evidence presented in court indicated that the injuries were consistent with abuse or neglect. The prosecution argued that the suffering inflicted on Ali was unnecessary and unlawful, leading to Bennett's conviction for causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. Bennett also attempted to justify his actions by suggesting that Ali was anxious because she had been previously bitten by another owner, implying that her behavior was a result of past trauma rather than current abuse.

During the trial, Bennett vehemently denied any sexual misconduct involving his dog, emphasizing that he would never engage in such behavior. He stated, 'I swear on my mother's life, I would not do that sort of thing. I certainly was not doing that, I was brushing her maybe.' His claims were met with skepticism by the court, which considered the seriousness of the offence.

District Judge David Robinson delivered the verdict, describing the offence as 'serious' and underscoring the importance of protecting animals from cruelty. The sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June, where further penalties are expected to be imposed. The case has sparked concern among animal welfare advocates and residents of Southampton, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and enforcement of animal protection laws.