51AVÊÓÆµ

Men jailed for 'horrific' animal abuse in Dorset

Police constable Sebastian Haggett, of Dorset Police's Rural Crime Team, said the incidents had reflected some of the most ‘horrifying' offences he had investigated

Chris Brayford
clock • 3 min read
Kristen Cooper (left) received a prison sentence of five years while Todd Cooper (right) for 3 years and 8 months after causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals (Dorset Police)
Image:

Kristen Cooper (left) received a prison sentence of five years while Todd Cooper (right) for 3 years and 8 months after causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals (Dorset Police)

Two men have been sentenced to over eight years in jail after pleading guilty to ‘horrific' animal abuse in Dorset. Dorset Police said Kristen Cooper, 24, from Bransgore in Hampshire, and co-defendant...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Rural crime

EA rolls out new strategies to combat waste crime

EA rolls out new strategies to combat waste crime

Over half of farmers experience waste crime on their land - now new surveillance and investigative measures aim to prevent criminals before they even get started

clock 20 February 2026 • 2 min read
Serial waste crook forced to pay over £1.4 million for widespread illegal dumping

Serial waste crook forced to pay over £1.4 million for widespread illegal dumping

A prolific waste criminal who targeted farmland has been ordered to hand over more than £1.4 million for illegally dumping in excess of 4275 tonnes of waste across England

clock 19 February 2026 • 3 min read
Farmers see livestock worrying costs rise by 10% to nearly £2m in 2025

Farmers see livestock worrying costs rise by 10% to nearly £2m in 2025

NFU Mutual has revealed that while incidents relating to livestock being injured or killed by dogs in the UK had cost farmers around £1.95 million in 2025, more than half of owners admitted to not putting dogs on a lead in the countryside

Chris Brayford
clock 17 February 2026 • 5 min read