A self proclaimed ‘dog lover’ who punched a man out walking his dog before attacking his pet has escaped jail.
Suzanne Marie Young, 52, lost her temper after the man’s dog went over to her on Hob Moor in York on 9 June 2020.
At York Magistrates’ Court today, prosecutor Sarah Tyrer said Young began calling the dog’s owner racist names, before punching him and spitting at him.
She said she was angry the dog was off its lead and said she’d “shoot its owner”. Young then picked up a broken glass bottle and threatened to hit the man with it before trying to grab his dog.
The man tried to get away but turned to see Young turn on his pet. His dog yelped in pain as Young kicked her in her face.
In a further twist, a video of Young shouting the racist abuse and attacking the man and his pet was posted on social media.
People were so outraged and angry, Young received death threats which she then reported to the police, before fleeing York to live in hiding in the Midlands.
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Defending Young, solicitor Emily Calman said her client had been battling an alcohol problem and other mental health problems.
She was extremely sorry for her behaviour and had pleaded guilty to all three of the charges she faced – cruelty to an animal and two counts of racist assault.
Young was already working with the probation service to overcome her problems, after serving a sentence in prison for harassment.
Sentencing Young to a 42-week prison term suspended for two years, Judge Adrian Lower told her that “it was a relief to the people who live in York” that she had moved away.
Young cried as Judge Lower continued: “I’m disgusted with you. I have very little sympathy for you.”
She was banned from keeping dogs for five years and ordered to pay the dog walker £500. Young lives on benefits.
The akita dog was examined by a vet after the attack, and had suffered some physical and psychological damage, but had no broken bones.