A woman who allegedly threw her ex-lover’s dog out of a window has avoided going to prison. Kayleigh Smee, 33, reportedly hurled the eight-year-old Chihuahua named Prince to his death from a second-storey flat during a heated argument with her boyfriend on December 10, 2021.
The incident, described as “terrible” by the court, resulted in the dog suffering severe injuries and later having to be euthanized, according to reports from KentOnline. This case marks the first sentencing under new guidelines in the UK that have raised the maximum sentence for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal from six months to five years.
During the trial at Maidstone Crown Court, Judge Philip Statman criticized Smee, stating that Prince, the beloved Chihuahua, died in a horrific manner that could have been avoided. He emphasized that the incident was spontaneous and not an act of revenge.
Witnesses, including a young child, reported seeing the dog being thrown out of the window of the flat. Prince was immediately taken to a veterinarian, but despite emergency treatment, his injuries were too severe, leading to the difficult decision to euthanize him.
Smee, whose current address remains undisclosed, admitted to causing unnecessary pain to the dog. However, she received a suspended 12-month jail sentence for two years, along with a requirement to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and attend 30 rehabilitation activity days. The cost of the prosecution, amounting to £17,122, will be covered by public funds.
Furthermore, Smee has been banned from owning or keeping a dog for the next 10 years. Jeremy Cave, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, revealed that Smee and her boyfriend, Ryan Doe, had been drinking before returning to her flat in Rochester, where the argument escalated. Smee claimed her lover had been violent and damaged the flat’s door after she asked him to leave. In response, she threw crockery out of the window and, ultimately, Prince.
Initially, Smee denied throwing the dog out of the window but later suggested it may have been thrown out with clothes. However, eyewitnesses testified that they only saw the injured dog on the ground, without any clothes. The court learned that both Smee and her boyfriend had consumed a significant amount of alcohol that evening. Smee has since moved to a different house, away from Mr. Doe.
The judge heard that the family had to relocate due to the abuse they received from outraged neighbours who were appalled by the treatment of the animal. Expressing his doubts about Smee’s genuine remorse, the judge highlighted her apparent self-centeredness, evident from her frequent glances around the courtroom during the hearing.
As the case concludes, the focus remains on raising awareness about animal welfare and the severe consequences of causing unnecessary suffering to animals. The public is urged to report any instances of animal cruelty and support organizations dedicated to protecting animals from harm.
