Lancing man convicted of puppy abuse

Worthing Magistrates’ Court heard that William Baker, of Shadwells Road, Lancing, had inflicted so much harm to the Staffordshire terrier bitch, Tia, that she cowered whenever she saw a broom in someone’s hand.

Baker, 34, did not turn up at the hearing last week, but was convicted in his absence of causing unnecessary suffering to the animal.

His partner, Tracey Thompson, from Littlehampton, was present.

She was found guilty of not meeting Tia’s needs, after the court was told she had thrown water over the puppy and allowed her to be kept in a cardboard box in the garden.

A spokeswoman for the RSCPA, which brought the prosecution, said the organisation had gone to the house after complaints and reports from witnesses and neighbours that Tia was being ill-treated.

“The RSPCA removed Tia and she was seen by animal behaviourist Annette Conn, who tested her and found that she cowered when she saw a broom,” said the spokeswoman.

“Witnesses told the court they had heard and seen the dog being beaten.”

Baker is due to be sentenced on Tuesday, November 2.

Thompson was given 12 months’ community service and ordered to pay £100 costs. Tia was taken away from her.

RSPCA inspector Kate Barnes said: “Tia is a really lovely dog. She has made a good recovery and has since been rehomed,”