Cruel animal abusers terrorise their pets - but still walk free from court

Animal abuse and neglect is sadly a common recurrence, with perpetrators being hauled before the courts. The last 12 months have been no different, with cases across Greater Manchester and the wider region causing major concern and horror.

In a bid to deter people from carrying out the cruel attacks, tougher prison sentences were introduced in April last year, raising jail terms from a maximum of six months to five years. But, the vile abuse still rages on.

Last month, Claire Anderson was jailed for four weeks after blowing cannabis smoke up her dog’s nose. In a recorded phone call, poor Benji could be heard coughing and groaning as Anderson laughed and asked her boyfriend if she should do it again.

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Her lawyer had previously told a court that she would have expected a community punishment, but this would not be possible due to her already being in prison for a separate offence. Anderson, of Hazelwood Road, was found guilty of animal cruelty.

Other cases include a couple who encouraged their children and dogs to partake in badger baiting; a father and daughter who were filmed hitting dogs in their doggy day care centre; and a woman who locked her dog in a cupboard and left it to die.

Here, the Manchester Evening News has looked back on those who were brought before the courts for their horrific behaviour.

Ex-primary school teaching assistant filmed young child attacking wild animals

Ex-teaching assistant Paris Carding encouraged a child to take part in 'graphic and perverse animal cruelty at its worst'. Carding, 28, and her then-boyfriend Grant Leigh Jnr, 30, were captured on camera encouraging their dogs and children to engage in badger