Mum who killed a Chihuahua after throwing it out the window in argument with boyfriend faces jail
A MUM of two faces jail after pleading guilty to throwing a chihuahua dog from an upper floor window.
Kayleigh Smee launched the cherished pet out the window of a third-floor flat in Rochester, Kent.
It was reported at the time that the tiny, eight-year-old dog died after being hurled 30ft from a third-floor flat in Rochester, Kent.
Smee, 33, was due to stand trial on Tuesday at Maidstone Crown Court, Kent, accused of causing unnecessary suffering to the animal, named Prince, on December 10 2021.
Smee had initially denied the charge but changed her plea to guilty before the trial got underway.
John Connor, defending, told Judge Philip Statman she had been in an abusive relationship at the time with ‘an awful lot going on in her life’.
He added that Smee had been ‘of good character for about the last decade’, and that her previous offending was not animal-related.
Adjourning sentencing until July 10, Judge Statman told Smee he wanted a probation report before deciding the appropriate punishment.
But he warned her: “I have given absolutely no indication as to what the ultimate sentence is going to be, and the fact I have indicated a report should be prepared on you gives no indication again as to what I’m going to do with you at the end of the day.”
The offence of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal carries a maximum jail term of five years, having been increased from six months in June 2021.
Smee, from Rochester, is being prosecuted by the RSPCA. She was released on unconditional bail.
The court heard she is sole carer for her children.