As reported in the press; Andrew Summerfield of Colchester in Essex, "...shot his dog 10 times with an air rifle, slashed its face with a meat cleaver, then left it for dead on a roadside with a noose round its neck." Even if in self-defence, the attack was disproportionate, so much so that the RSPCA have not released images of the "graphic injuries".

We the undersigned respectfully petition Colchester Magistrates court, via Sir Bob Russell MP, to give full consideration to delivering the maximum sentence under UK law; Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the maximum fine for animal cruelty and welfare offences is £20,000. The maximum term of imprisonment for offences is six months.

We feel it is important to send a loud and clear message to all would be animal abusers, that their actions will not go unchecked and unpunished.

Andrew Summerfield will be sentenced on Wednesday, 11 July 2012.