Man killed pet dog and buried body in garden

David Betley, 58, was jailed at Worcester Magistrates' Court on Friday

A man killed his pet dog and then buried the animal in a rhubarb patch.

David Betley, of Broadway, Worcestershire, killed his 17-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier Pincher on 21 February in what the RSPCA said was an unnecessary and shocking act.

Witnesses called the RSPCA and police officers dug up Pincher’s body, which was described as being in a “poor condition” with weight loss and osteoarthritis.

Betley, 58, of Mill Street, admitted not getting veterinary treatment for Pincher and pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. He was sentenced to eight months in prison.

At Worcester Magistrates’ Court on Friday Betley also received a 10-year disqualification order, which bans him from keeping any animals.

The court heard witnesses saw and filmed Betley trying to restrain Pincher before using a knife to kill the dog.

Freya Lamb, animal rescue officer with the RSPCA, said she attended the incident along with officers from West Mercia Police and was present when Pincher’s body was dug up.

RSPCA Inspector Nicola Johnson said: “I can only imagine Pincher’s suffering both mentally and physically whilst this unnecessary and shocking act was taking place.

“Any act that causes unnecessary pain or suffering to any kind of animal is totally unacceptable.”

Betley, who was unrepresented during the hearing, told the court he was sorry for what he had done and that he had reacted after being frightened when Pincher snarled at him.