Couple get pet ban as injuries found

Barry Rock, aged 35, and Leanne Rock, 30, of Bankwell Street, Brierley Hill, walked free from court after receiving a 12-week prison term which was suspended for two years, at Dudley Magistrates' Court.

Bench chairman Mr Richard Ross told them: "This is one of the most serious cases of animal cruelty which has come before this court. You came so close to going to prison immediately today."

At an earlier hearing the Rocks had each admitted two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and a third count of not taking reasonable steps to ensure the needs of an animal in their care between May 2 and 20 last year.

The couple's terrier-cross Britney had multiple fractures including the rib and hip injuries, a broken leg and burns on her body when she was examined by vets in May last year. One of her eyes was so badly bruised it had turned blue and she had lost all sight in it.

The court heard Britney was presented to a PDSA vets practice in May 2008 by a relative of the Rocks who said the dog had trouble standing up.

X-rays revealed a series of fractures which had taken place over a prolonged period of time. Further examinations revealed a further seven fractures of teeth, swelling to her temple and a deformed ear, and the vet alerted police.

Barry Rock told officers it was feasible Britney could have sustained the injuries herself because "she was always getting stuck behind things". Mr Nick Sutton, prosecuting, told magistrates this explanation was "inadequate".

Mr Richard Burch, defending, told the court the couple had four children aged between 10 months and eight years, one of whom suffers with autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. They simply "could not cope" with looking after their children and their pet, Mr Burch said.

The dog has since been rehomed in Cradley Heath and is battling back to full health with her new owners Paul and Theresa Jackson, who have renamed her Millie.