Supporting Link:



http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/02/10/dog-stabbed-to-death-in-the-street/



A man fatally
stabbed a much-loved German Shepherd dog in a Black Country street in
front of its owner following a heated argument, a court heard.
Simon Follos, aged 38, attacked the dog outside his home in Abbey
Street, Lower Gornal, Dudley, UK, while rowing with its owner Wayne Bird. The
12-year-old animal, called Tyson, later died at a vets practice after
going into convulsions.
Flowers have since been left by residents in memory of the popular
pet outside the local Darby & Joan club, near the scene of the
attack. Dudley magistrates were told that Follos knows Mr Bird and there
is “some bad blood” between them.
Follos had already threatened to stab Mr Bird on Tuesday afternoon,
and a row started, which ended in Mr Bird punching Follos in the head.
Later that day, Follos threatened to cut Mr Bird’s throat when the
dog owner walked past his house, said Mr Mark Cooper, prosecuting. They
argued for about 10 minutes when the dog began to bark and Follos
threatened to stab the animal. Mr Cooper added: “Mr Bird tried to move
the dog away but he lunged forward and stabbed the dog in the side of
the chest before pulling the blade out and walking calmly back into his
house.”
Follos pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article in public,
causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, and a charge of criminal
damage by destroying a dog.
Mr Gerry Vahey, defending, said Follows was “incredibly remorseful”,
adding: “He admits he lost his head and acted in a totally unacceptable
way.”
The case was committed to Wolverhampton Crown Court for sentencing.


Mr Bird said after the hearing: “I watched the dog die and it was very upsetting. It was like a child to me.


“I hope there will now be some kind of memorial to Tyson.”


Verna Spittle, 58, secretary of the Darby & Joan club, said
today: “Tyson was a lovely dog. He knew everybody and they all knew
him.”Side Note:

Further supporting links here shows the man loved his dog like a child and it died in his arms, the man has a mental age of 11, he has been very clearly upset


http://www.dudleynews.co.uk/news/9522727.Gornal_residents_pay_tribute_to_much_loved_pet_dog/?ref=mr



Lower Gornal residents have been paying tribute to a much-loved pet dog, who was fatally stabbed on Tuesday night.


Flowers and candles have been left at the scene of the stabbing on
Abbey Street, following the death of German Shepherd cross, Tyson, who
was well-known in the area, alongside his owner Wayne Bird.


Well-wishers have left messages of condolence, including “Sleep Tight
Tyson, thinking of you Wayne” “RIP Tyson” and “Our thoughts are with you
Wayne”.


Friends and family of 37 year-old Wayne, who has a mental age of 11
years-old and is described as the “loveable rogue” in the village, said
Tyson was always at his owners side and Wayne was
struggling to cope with the loss of his companion, who he has had
since a puppy.


Wayne’s auntie, Rose Beedles, said her nephew was “heartbroken.”


She said: “We are really concerned at the moment that it hasn’t hit him properly.


“It is unbelievable, so unreal, we can’t actually believe it has happened.


“I have got dogs myself, but I’ve never come across a dog like Tyson
before. He never had a lead, he always walked alongside you. He never
barked.


“There was no-one who could love a dog more than Wayne did with Tyson
and he was so well looked after. They were just always together.”


“After he was stabbed, Wayne tried to pick him up and carry him home, but he died in his arms.


“Wayne’s mum also died in his arms a few years ago, so this has also brought back those memories for him.


“But we can’t believe the support he has been getting. So many people
from all walks of life have been stopping to read the messages on the
flowers and coming up to us and saying how cruel it was.
They are all behind him and looking out for him.”


Generous residents have also started a collection for Wayne, with over
£300 raised in just a day, to enable him to obtain his 12 year-old
dog’s ashes back from the Wolverhampton-based vet.


It is also hoped funds can buy a plaque dedicated to Tyson which can be put as a permanent memorial to him in the village.


Simon Lee Follos, aged 38, of Abbey Street, Lower Gornal, pleaded
guilty to stabbing the dog and possessing a knife in a public place at
Dudley Magistrates Court this morning.


He has been remanded in custody for his own safety, after the court
heard how windows in his flat has been smashed since the incident.


He is set to be sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court on March 8.