Man Jailed for Abusing Dog with Broken Bones
In a recent court case that shook the community, Mason Lukeman of Wellesley Road in Clacton faced sentencing at Chelmsford Magistrate’s Court on February 20. The 23-year-old stood accused of six animal welfare offenses, including two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to his dog, Mulla, through physical abuse resulting in injury.
Mulla’s harrowing story began when a compassionate lettings agent rescued her on January 9 last year. Locked in Lukeman’s flat, the dog was found with open cuts on her head, red eyes, a bent tail, and visible ribs. Taken to a vet for urgent care, Mulla presented with severe injuries consistent with blunt force trauma.
Upon further examination at the RSPCA Finsbury Park Animal Hospital, X-rays revealed the extent of Mulla’s suffering. She had several fractured teeth, a fractured skull, fractured cheekbones, two fractured ribs, dislocated tail vertebrae, and skin damage indicative of trauma. The expert vet who assessed Mulla concluded that she had endured repetitive traumatic episodes that led to her injuries.
Despite exhaustive treatments, Mulla lost her right eye, necessitating its removal. However, her story took a positive turn as she found a new loving home and was renamed Hope. The community rallied around Mulla, offering support and kindness as she embarked on her journey to recovery.
Inspector Emma Beynon, deeply moved by Mulla’s ordeal, expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in rescuing and caring for her. She commended the lady who convinced Lukeman to surrender Mulla, ensuring she received the necessary care and attention. Beynon shared that Mulla, now Hope, is thriving in her new home, basking in love and affection.
In the courtroom, Lukeman faced the consequences of his actions. Sentenced to 12 months in prison, banned from keeping animals for life, and ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge, Lukeman’s punishment reflected the severity of Mulla’s injuries. Inspector Beynon highlighted the shocking extent of Mulla’s suffering, emphasizing the need for justice in cases of animal abuse.
The team at the Finsbury Park Animal Hospital played a crucial role in Mulla’s recovery, showcasing dedication and compassion in nursing her back to health. Beynon also praised her colleague Rebecca Yarrow for her exceptional efforts in the investigation. The collaborative efforts of various individuals, including the police, ensured that justice was served for Mulla, now known as Hope.
The case left a lasting impact on Beynon and her colleagues, underscoring the cruelty of inflicting harm on defenseless animals. Beynon expressed hope that Lukeman’s sentence would serve as a stern warning against animal abuse, signaling that such actions would not be tolerated in society. The pursuit of justice for Mulla underscored the community’s commitment to protecting vulnerable animals and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
