A "manipulative and predatory" man has been jailed for stamping his ex-girlfriend's rabbit to death. Steven Appleton, 23, from Trethomas, near Caerphilly, killed the pet because she would not let him into her house on a nearby estate.
The defendant was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to the grey female rabbit during a trial at Caerphilly magistrates' court in May. He was given a 26-week custodial sentence by the magistrates.
Prosecutor Aled Watkins said the vet who examined the rabbit said it was caused a painful death because of the variety of injuries it suffered.
These included fractures to the skull, jaw, shoulder blade and pelvis. The rabbit also suffered haemorrhaging from the internal injuries Appleton caused, magistrates heard.
The vet found evidence that the rabbit's body had attempted to heal some of the injuries before dying. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Appleton was also banned from keeping animals for 10 years.
After the sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Simon Evans said: "I'm very pleased that the magistrates have seen the seriousness of his actions. There was no remorse and he was not a reasonable chap. What he did was callous and cowardly and he denied it to the end."
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