Couple face jail over death of dog

Jul 10 2008 By Dale Williams

A COUPLE have been told they could be jailed after admitting causing the death of a dog they were supposed to be looking after for a critically ill pensioner.

District Judge Michael Morris, sitting at West Bromwich Magistrates’ Court, heard that Alexander Spence and Sheena Spence beat the dog and she then tossed it from a fifth-floor balcony.

Alexander Spence, aged 60, and Sheena Spence, 62, from Wyndmill Crescent, Charlemont Farm, West Bromwich, both admitted failing to take reasonable steps to care for the black Scottie dog named Laddie.

They also pleaded guilty to two charges of causing the dog unnecessary suffering.

Mrs Spence worked as a cleaner for the owner of the dog, Mrs Nancy Howells, aged 86.

Mr Nicholas Sutton, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said Mrs Howells had been taken seriously ill and was in hospital. She later died unaware of her faithful companion Laddie’s death.

He said the Spences had agreed to look after the five-year-old dog at their flat. The dog was known to ‘nip’ at times, he added.

He said on the evening of October 2 last year the Spences had been drinking and arguing.

He added: “The dog bit Sheena Spence on the ankle and she accepts she struck the animal a few times to remove it. Mr Spence also accepted that he struck the dog about three times.

“Mrs Spence then opened the patio door and threw the dog over the balcony.”

A post mortem examination showed that Laddie died from blunt injury trauma consistent with being beaten.

The couple were granted conditional bail for reports and are due to be sentenced on July 23. They were told by Mr Morris the crime was so serious they could face a custodial sentence.