AN 18-YEAR-old man has been sentenced by the courts over animal cruelty which led to the death of a pet guinea pig.

Louis Mason, of Coppice Wood Crescent, Yeadon, was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, at Eliot Grove in Guiseley, dating back to an incident on March 17, 2022.

The charge, which he admitted, states that he inflicted blunt force trauma on a white and tan guinea pig known as Bun Bun, causing “extensive injury and resulting in death”.

It added that he knew or ought reasonably to have known that the act would have that effect or was likely to.

Appearing before Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on February 3, Mason was ordered to carry out 50 hours of unpaid work and banned from owning an animal for life.

He must also carry out up to 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days, attending appointments and carrying out activities required by his supervising officer.

Magistrates took the defendant’s guilty plea into account when determining his sentence.

In addition, Mason was ordered to pay costs of £100 and £95 to fund victim services.

The prosecution was brought by the RSPCA, which spent more than £3,300 in bringing the case. The remainder will be paid from central funds.

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