'Animal lover' fined €2,000 over Chihuahua's death
Incident happened during argument with his partner, domestic violence charges dropped
A man who regularly volunteers at animal shelters has been fined €2,000 after admitting to animal welfare offences over the death of a Chihuahua during an argument with his pregnant partner.
The man, a North Macedonian national, had been arraigned under arrest in March on charges linked to domestic violence and animal cruelty.
However, the domestic violence proceedings were stayed after his pregnant partner informed the court that she no longer wished to proceed against the father of her unborn child.
That left the court to determine only the animal welfare charges, to which the accused entered an early guilty plea.
The case stemmed from an argument between the couple after what the defence described as a romantic day together.
During cross-examination, defence lawyer Michaela Giglio asked the complainant to confirm that she and the accused had spent the day together and had watched the sunset from their balcony. The witness confirmed this.
She also confirmed that later that evening, as the couple were preparing for bed, she no longer wished to cuddle with the accused and instead began cuddling their Chihuahua after it jumped onto the bed.
It was against that backdrop that an argument developed between the couple.
According to the evidence, the accused became frustrated, picked up the dog and threw it to the floor, causing injuries that ultimately led to the animal’s death.
Following the stay of the domestic violence proceedings, the accused admitted to the animal welfare charges.
The defence lawyers argued that the early guilty plea should be taken into account and submitted that the incident was a deeply unfortunate consequence of the couple’s volatile relationship, with the dog becoming an innocent victim of that dynamic.
The defence also submitted that the accused was an animal lover who regularly volunteered at animal welfare shelters.
The prosecution officer confirmed that position, referring to the parte civile’s own testimony in open court that the accused was, in fact, an animal lover and volunteered at an animal shelter.
The defence asked the court to impose the minimum punishment prescribed by law.
The court upheld that request and fined the man €2,000.
Magistrate Tanya Sammut presided. Joe Giglio and Michaela Giglio appeared for the accused. Police inspector Colin Sheldon prosecuted.