A RETIRED builders' merchant has been fined £2,000 for burying hundreds of greyhounds behind his home.
David Smith appeared at Durham Crown Court today after pleading guilty last month to a single charge of disposing of dead dogs without a permit on land behind his home in Northdene Terrace, Seaham, County Durham.
The prosecution was brought by the Environment Agency after police ruled that the 57year-old would not face criminal charges in relation to the destruction of the dogs.
The case attracted national interest last year, but only a handful of animal rights protesters were gathered outside the court this morning.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article