A man who stole a dog and drove over it in his van has been jailed.
Deon Ellis, 32, of no fixed address, was found guilty of both theft and criminal damage in relation to the dog following two linked incidents in Luton and Corby last summer.
On the June 23, 2020, at around 10pm, in Dewsbury Road, Luton, Ellis threatened a man with a knife and the victim ran off, leaving his pet dog behind.
Witnesses reported Ellis grabbing and lifting the dog by its collar before leaving the scene.
Later that evening, near the Pytchley Court shops in Corby, a witness heard a painful yelp by a dog and saw Ellis driving towards it, before he swerved the van to make sure he hit the animal.
The dog was able to escape and officers located it the next day. They took it to the vets, where the animal was found to have multiple knife wounds. Blood was also recovered from Ellis’ van.
Despite the extent of its injuries, the injured dog has made a good recovery.
On Friday, June 18, 2021, at Huntingdon Crown Court, Ellis was jailed for two years and four months.
Detective Constable Helen Pecorini, who investigated the case, said: “This was a targeted incident where Ellis went out of his way to cause fear and distress to the owner and his dog.
“This was a despicable and heartless attack which I am sure will shock many people. I am glad that we have been able to catch Ellis and bring him to justice for this awful, awful attack against a defenceless animal.
“Anyone committing violence or cruelty towards dogs or any other animal will face police action and this type of violence will absolutely not be tolerated.”
Ellis received a sentence of two years and four months for criminal damage of a dog, as well as a sentence of 18 months for theft of a dog, which will run concurrently.
If you have been affected by crime, the Signpost Hub offers free and confidential support to victims in Bedfordshire, whether it has been reported to police or not, and irrespective of where and when the crime occurred.
Dog owners can also join the a Bedfordshire Police Dog Watch scheme. Volunteers will have a direct link with police and other local authorities to report information on unusual activity or anti-social behaviour that they may have seen whilst on their dog walks to help protect the local community. If you’re interested in joining Dog Watch and working with police to protect your local area, please email watchschemes@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
If you have any information that may assist police or if you have any concerns around this message that you would like to discuss, please contact the Rural Crime team on opsentinel.rural@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
