A man who used his pets to hunt and kill wild animals, including deer and hares, has been jailed and banned from keeping dogs for 15 years.
Connor Bradshaw, 27 from Stockton, was jailed for a year after admitting wildlife offences uncovered through information from animal protection charity Naturewatch Foundation.
Bradshaw repeatedly used dogs to hunt wild mammals and shared pictures online of dead deer and hares, with some showing his dogs standing over them, police said.
In one post, Bradshaw joked about “playing tug of war with a deer” beside a photograph investigators described as distressing.
Cleveland Police launched an investigation after receiving information from Naturewatch Foundation in February this year.
Bradshaw was later charged with six counts of hunting a wild mammal with a dog and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
He appeared before Teesside Magistrates' Court on Friday (September 11), where he was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
Magistrates also banned him from keeping dogs for 15 years.
Police said he cannot appeal against the disqualification for at least a decade.
Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant Mitch Baldwin said: "Bradshaw showed a shocking amount of disregard for the welfare of animals and repeatedly caused unfathomable suffering to wildlife.
"I'm pleased that he has been held accountable for his actions.
"This result was achieved through some fantastic partnership work with our neighbourhood team and the Naturewatch Foundation, showing the importance of collaborative work."
"I hope this result serves as a warning to anyone intent on causing harm to animals that we can and will take action," he added.
Naturewatch Foundation welcomed the outcome after passing information to police.
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Jim Clark, the charity's wildlife crime campaign manager, said: "Offenders who persecute wildlife and expose animals to harm should expect to feel the full force of the law and the subsequent judicial system.
"Bradshaw clearly had little option but to enter a guilty plea for the charges alleged.
"As a former police wildlife crime officer, I am well aware of the difficulties that often arise when bringing wildlife offences to court.
"On behalf of Naturewatch Foundation and our supporters, I would like to congratulate the investigating officer in not only a worthy court result but also on the future protection of animals for at least the next ten years."
The charity said the case highlights the importance of reporting suspected wildlife crime and working with police to protect vulnerable animals.
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