Knaresborough man took injured dog hare coursing

Shane Hooton had known of the black dog’s injuries for days but had not taken it to the vet, according to police.

Officers caught him and two companions in a field near Waddington in Lincolnshire more than 90 miles away from his home at 1pm on February 9 last year.

They were spread in a line about 50 metres apart and one of the three dogs with them was chasing a hare. They also found dead hares.

Shane Hooton’s dog. The injuries are too graphic to show. (Image: Lincolnshire Police)

DC Aaron Flint, Wildlife Crime Officer with Lincolnshire Police, said: “When officers saw the horrific injuries to the black dog they immediately took it to a vet where it was sadly put to sleep.

“The owner, Shane Hooton, had known of the dog’s injuries for six days.

“He appears to have stitched and glued the injury himself; there is evidence he even talked about stapling it.

“By taking the dog hare coursing the defendants caused horrendous and completely unnecessary suffering to a dog; they should have sought immediate veterinary care,

“They were all involved in hare coursing, and two of them ignored criminal behaviour orders designed to protect animals and the public.

“This case shows that when offenders choose to disregard the law and animal welfare, we will respond robustly.

“Lincolnshire Police will continue to target those who think they can act with cruelty and impunity.”

Shane Hooton (Image: Lincolnshire Police)

Hooton, of Thistle Hill, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog, trespassing with intent to search for or to pursue hares and breach of a criminal behaviour order.

He was given a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years on condition he does 180 hours’ unpaid work, a new 15-year criminal behaviour order and banned from keeping dogs for 10 years.  He must pay a £114 statutory surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

The other two men received less serious sentences.