Woman jailed for strangling dog using collar and wrapping muzzle in duct tape

Hayley Cowan buries Staffordshire bull terrier in shallow grave in case described by RSPCA as 'one of most harrowing and distressing cases to date'

Hayley Cowan, 22, then buried the Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Beau in a shallow grave in the back garden of her home
Hayley Cowan then buried the Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Beau in a shallow grave in the back garden of her home Credit: Photo: MEN

A woman who killed her dog by wrapping duct tape around its muzzle and then strangling it with a collar has been jailed.

Hayley Cowan, 22, then buried the Staffordshire bull terrier, called Beau, in a shallow grave in the back garden of her home.

The case only came to light when one of Cowan's concerned friends dug up Beau's remains before she alerted the RSPCA, which launched an urgent investigation.

It transpired that Cowan was witnessed by a group of her friends kicking Beau in the face on an earlier occasion. She has now been jailed for four months after what RSPCA chiefs called "one of their most harrowing and distressing cases to date".

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Beau

Staffordshire bull terrier Beau (RSPCA/PA)

Chief Inspector Cathy Hyde said: "The sentence sends out a very strong message that dreadful acts like this can result in prison sentences.

Cowan, of Tyldesley, pleaded guilty to two charges of causing Beau unnecessary suffering and was sentenced at Wigan Magistrates' Court. She was also banned from keeping any animal as a pet for life and ordered to pay the RSPCA £500 in court costs.

The dog, an adult female, was taken away from Cowan by her friends after the kicking incident, which happened at a house in Tyldesley on October 14 last year, the court was told.

'This was a very heartbreaking case to investigate and only made possible by witnesses coming forward...'
- RSPCA inspector Vicki McDonald

David McCormick, prosecuting, said her reasons for lashing out were not known. Beau was removed from the house by Cowan's friends, but returned in the early hours after she promised not to hurt her.

But the court heard they were called the following morning by Cowan, who said Beau had run away. But three weeks later, Cowan admitted to them that she had killed then buried Beau in the garden. One of the witnesses attended the garden on a later date and found the body.

The RSPCA was called on November 5 last year and a post-mortem examination was ordered after an exhumation.

Inspector Vicki McDonald said the results confirmed Beau died from strangulation by means of duct tape and the tightening of a collar. Bruising to her limbs suggested she had been held down.

RSPCA prosecutions ease despite rise in animal cruelty
Bear Grylls accused of animal cruelty after pig slaughtered on survival show

The court was told that Cowan has a history of mental health problems. Insp McDonald said: "This was a very heartbreaking case to investigate and only made possible by witnesses coming forward. It was very traumatic and upsetting so I am very grateful to them.

"I hope the sentence passed today will highlight the seriousness of the case and hopefully give Cowan the opportunity to reflect upon her actions against her defenceless dog Beau."