A man drowned his wife’s Yorkshire terrier in a pond after it nipped him when he tried to kiss it, leading to a suspended sentence.
His wife looked for Wilma. Richardson coldly said he killed her, stating, “Dog bites, dog dies.” She found Wilma in a bag outside, wet and covered in algae.
Police were called to the scene. Richardson, aged 63, admitted his actions, saying he caused unnecessary animal suffering. A court gave him a suspended sentence.
The event happened last September at their home in Whitley Bay. He drank alcohol from 5:30 pm until 9 pm. His wife was in bed with Wilma.
He leaned in to kiss the dog, and it nipped his nose. This startled the little animal, and Richardson got a small cut. He said she had to go.
Later, Richardson woke up and drank more wine. His wife heard him walking around upstairs and then discovered Wilma was missing. He first claimed ignorance.
She searched frantically for her pet. Richardson then admitted he killed her. He repeated, “Dog bites, dog dies”, showing no interest in the continuing search.
He said he dumped the dog on a walk, claiming he didn’t know where. His wife found Wilma in a bag on the path to the front door.
She was very upset to discover Wilma dead and argued with Richardson. He just repeated his phrase. She called the police around 3:45 am.
Officers arrived and examined the scene, observing that Wilma was soaking wet and covered in algae. Richardson told police he drowned Wilma.
The couple now live together again. Before this, his wife gave a statement, explaining she was shocked by what happened. She said his behavior was very unusual.
She misses Wilma a lot, viewing her former pet as a great companion. Richardson admitted his crime. The judge gave him a suspended sentence and banned him from owning a dog for five years.
The judge called it an overreaction with extreme consequences. His lawyer called it appalling behavior and acknowledged its impact on his wife.
The lawyer said Richardson is remorseful. He stopped drinking after it happened and is getting help and taking medication. He lost his job as an undertaker.