A gamekeeper convicted of animal cruelty has been allowed to continue keeping dogs. A terrier owned by Daniel Brockley, 30, was likely to have been injured by a badger defending itself. The Court also heard Brockley shared pictures of the Patterdale Terrier, named Rock, with a jaw injury apparently caused when the dog was working underground.
Rock, a Patterdale Terrier, suffered a degloving injury of his lower jaw (Image: RSPCA)
Magistrates did not ban Brockley from keeping dogs because of his previous good record and the risk of him losing his job and home.
Daniel Brockley, of Frogwell Lane, Skilgate, was found guilty at a trial at Taunton Magistrates Court on June 11 2019 of three counts of animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The incidents, which occurred on 18 January 2017, May 19, 2017 and May 12, 2018, saw Brockley, a gamekeeper, and his dog work underground within Skilgate and the wider area. According to the RSPCA, photos showing Rock’s de-gloved lower jaw – where skin has been removed as a result of an injury – and text messages about his condition were shared by Brockley.
Magistrates ordered Brockley to pay costs of £2,250 and a £85 victim surcharge and complete 140 unpaid hours of community work.
Source: Somerset Live
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