Katy Byard, 35, from Brierley Hill, Dudley, and Richard Luke Morgan, 34, now of Stourbridge, inflicted horrific fatal head injuries on two dogs.
Byard and Morgan each pleaded guilty to cruelty charges in relation to a chihuahua named Coco and a Jack Russell-type dog called Teddy following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.
Both pets suffered multiple and horrific injuries while in the couple’s care, which led to them dying.
The couple came to the attention of the RSPCA after it received several reports of concern about their injured pets.
A vet had logged concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of Teddy, who was found to have suffered a fractured skull.
Concerns were then raised about Coco, who had been brought in to vets a few days later with suspected non-accidental injuries.
The tiny dog was showing signs of trauma, bruising and swelling to the left side of her face.
She had been kicked so hard one of her eyes had ruptured and the socket was fractured.
In their report, the vet said: “It is clear from the extent of the injuries sustained by both of the dogs that these injuries would not have occurred without significant blunt force trauma being applied.”
Coco was transferred to RSPCA Birmingham Animal Hospital, but despite the critical care and treatment from vets and nurses, she sadly died from her injuries.
Byard admitted kicking Coco in the face causing injuryRSPCA Inspector Boris Lasserre, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “This proved to be a most shocking example of non-accidental injuries which led to the death of both dogs.
“Coco was kicked so hard that her eye ruptured and fractured eye socket and needed repeated surgery.
Teddy had suffered a fractured skull from the force of the blows he received from the very person who was supposed to protect him.
“Animals feel pain and suffering, just like we do, and there is never an excuse for inflicting such violent trauma onto animals.
All animal owners have a duty of care and legal responsibility to treat their pets with kindness and compassion.”
The so called ‘sentencing’Morgan: 23 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, 40 hours of unpaid work, 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days with alcohol abstinence and monitoring for 120 days.
Byard: 20 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.
They must also both pay £250.
Both are banned from owning animals for just five years and can appeal after three years.