Thug faces prison for punch attack on 12-week-old puppy

A 22-year-old man who repeatedly punched a terrified 12-week-old puppy in Telford was today facing up to six months in prison.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Molly suffered facial swelling and bloodshot eyes after the attack by Matthew Blagborough, Telford Magistrates' Court was told yesterday. Blagborough, of Cardiff, had denied causing unnecessary suffering to the dog but was found guilty following a trial.

He was also convicted of another charge of failing to be responsible for the animal's welfare.

He will be sentenced on December 20. Magistrates told Blagborough that custody was 'very much an option'.

The incident happened on January 30 near the Coalport Tavern in Oakengates.

The court was told that the dog was taken to William Walker's surgery, Walker & Wikeley Veterinary Surgeons, in Oakengates, the following day by the RSPCA.

Mr Walker said: "It didn't look like the sort of injury caused by a routine trip or a puppyhood accident.

"It is my opinion that the injuries were consistent with this animal having been punched."

Blagborough said he had bought the dog for his partner for Christmas and was walking her to an off-licence.

He told the court that he had 'clipped' the dog as a training method as it had defecated on his shirt.

He said: "I clipped her on the nose a couple of times and said 'naughty'. I was told that is what you do to train them.

"She was a 12-week-old puppy – why would I want to attack her?"

Eyewitnesses told the court they had seen Blagborough grab Molly by the scruff of the neck and punch her repeatedly with his clenched right fist.

They challenged him, magistrates were told yesterday.

The dog then broke loose and the friends and Blagborough chased her up an alleyway, witnesses said.

Blagborough claimed that during the chase he had slipped and fallen on top of the puppy.