Walberton man in court for killing neighbour's dog

Tricia Wales has begun a private prosecution at Chichester Magistrates' Court against Neville Hill who hit her five-year-old border terrier Wurzel with a garden hoe.

Although Mr Hill admitted striking the dog after it trespassed on to his property, the RSPCA could not prosecute as they said the dog did not suffer undue pain.

Miss Wales, 60, from Yapton, near Arundel, alleges Mr Hill caused criminal damage to her dog in September last year.

The dog did not regain consciousness after the attack and had to be put down.

Mr Hill, who now lives in Walberton, said he did not intend to kill Wurzel and his actions were a result of a series of disputes between the neighbours.

The RPSCA said that under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, they can prosecute if an animal has suffered.

A post mortem examination revealed the dog was rendered unconscious immediately after it was hit and so did not undergo any suffering.

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