Lincolnshire man who beat dog to death given suspended sentence

Thomas Eddinson, 21, from Ermine, Lincoln, appeared at Lincolnshire Magistrates’ court on Thursday, March 18, for sentencing after pleading guilty to one count of causing unnecessary suffering under section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act

He was sentenced to a ten-year disqualification for owning animals, an 18-week prison sentence suspended for two years, 150 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay costs of £250 to the owner of the dog and to the RSPCA.

The RSPCA were called after Jack Russell Terrier ‘Oreo’ was taken to a vets after he had already died.

Eddinson had been looking after his partner’s dog ‘Oreo’ when had lost his temper with the animal and beaten it in a sustained attack which led to the dog's death.

A vet confirmed Oreo had extensive internal bleeding due to a ruptured liver as well as bruising over the neck, chest, abdomen and right leg.

His right kidney was also bruised and there was damage to his brain and eye.

Dan Bradshaw, RSPCA inspector, said: “This was a vicious attack on a one-year-old defenceless animal left in Thomas Eddinson’s care.

“This attack led to the dog losing his life with a catalogue of bruising and injuries, he must have been in so much pain.

“It is distressing that Oreo’s life ended in such pain and suffering.”

The court heard mitigation that Eddinson had lived in foster care, had some mental health issues and suffered with dyslexia.