Leon Kramolis
Causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal *
Sentence
two-year community order with 42 days rehabilitation activity and lifetime ban from keeping animals
In late February 2024, Leon Kramolis, 25, of no fixed address, living at supported accommodation in Nicholls Street, West Bromwich, caused serious injuries to an 8-10 week old Staffordshire bull terrier puppy named Rex. CCTV captured him slapping the puppy, wrapping a dish cloth around its head, placing a mug over its face and muzzle, handling it roughly, and pulling at its limbs. On March 1, 2024, he fetched two knives from the kitchen. The puppy was hidden in his room, later found concealed in his coat, comatose, with mutilated toes (nails cut to the quick and beyond, some severed), broken skull, jaw, ribs, untreated older injuries leading to septicaemia, and bloodstained sheets in his room. The puppy was rescued, taken to a vet, and euthanised due to its severe condition. Kramolis claimed he was only cutting toenails and was under the influence of cocaine and heroin at the time.
Admitted two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and two further welfare offences. Judge Simon Drew KC noted the actions were 'sadistic' and aimed the sentence at rehabilitation, stating the defendant had already been punished by time in custody on remand. Defence confirmed remorse and drug-free status.