A man who subjected his dog to appalling physical abuse has been jailed for 12 months and handed a lifetime ban from keeping animals.
Mason Lukeman, 23, of Wellesley Road, Clacton-on-Sea, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_0%% on 20 February where he was sentenced after pleading guilty to six animal welfare offences relating to the mistreatment of his dog, Mulla.
Lukeman was convicted of two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to Mulla through repeated physical abuse, failing to provide veterinary care for her injuries, two counts of failing to protect her from pain and suffering, and failing to meet her basic welfare needs — including not providing adequate nutrition and failing to address her significant weight loss.
The %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_2%% heard the shocking details of Mulla's condition when she was rescued on 9 January 2024. A concerned lettings agent, who discovered the dog locked in a bathroom at Lukeman's flat, persuaded him to hand over the severely injured animal before rushing her to a vet for emergency care.
Mulla was found to be in a dreadful state — covered in fresh cuts, with blood dripping from her mouth, swollen facial injuries, gunky eyes, and visible ribs. A veterinary examination revealed multiple fractures, including a fractured skull, fractured cheek bones, broken ribs, and a dislocated tail. She also had numerous skin injuries consistent with repeated blunt force trauma. Tragically, one of her eyes was so badly damaged it later had to be removed.
An expert veterinary report concluded that Mulla had suffered "repetitive traumatic episodes," with recent injuries consistent with a brutal attack shortly before her rescue.
Following her rescue, Mulla was transferred to the RSPCA's %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_3%% Animal Hospital for further treatment. Despite her ordeal, she made a remarkable recovery and has since been rehomed with a loving %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_4%%. She has been renamed Hope — a reflection of her new beginning.
Speaking after the sentencing, %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_5%% Inspector Emma Beynon said:
“The sheer amount of severe injuries that Mulla sustained are shocking — from her head to her tail. Her injuries tell a heartbreaking story of repeated abuse. We are so grateful to the woman who rescued her and everyone involved in her recovery.”
“This case will haunt me and my colleagues for a long time. I hope this sentence sends a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held to account.”
Lukeman was also ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge alongside his %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_6%% sentence and lifetime disqualification from keeping any animals.
The RSPCA has thanked all agencies and individuals involved in securing justice for Hope, including veterinary staff, investigators, and %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_7%% officers.
