A man who violently killed his four-month old puppy no longer has to do community service due to his declining mental health, a court has ruled.
Kieran Holford inflicted “catastrophic injuries” injuries on his young sprocker spaniel named Daisy, causing unnecessary suffering and ultimately her death.
RSPCA prosecutor Matthew Knight said Daisy had been kicked with such force that she suffered direct trauma to her chest, resulting in collapsed lungs and a haematoma on the heart.
The court heard Holford failed to seek immediate veterinary treatment. When his girlfriend returned home later, Daisy was still breathing and the pair took her to a vet.
The 21-year-old defendant, of Roman Way, Chippenham, was originally sentenced to a community order – which included the requirement to complete 140 hours of unpaid work.
Earlier this year the probation service applied to Swindon Magistrates Court to amend the order, namely by removing the unpaid work and mental health treatment requirements.
They said that Holford has been experiencing a decline in his mental health, and carrying out unpaid work in the community was no longer suitable.
At his sentencing hearing, defence solicitor Luke Jameson told the court that the defendant had intended for the puppy to be his emotional support dog.
Adding that he suffers from complex post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute depression, anxiety and agoraphobia resulting from childhood abuse.
The court granted the amendment, meaning Holford’s punishment of community service was removed, as was the mental health treatment requirement.
He must still attend rehabilitation activity days with the probation service until February 2027. His ten-year animal disqualification also remains in place.
Original report: Man who killed ’emotional support’ puppy with kick avoids prison
