A 28-year-old Plymouth man has been banned from owning animals for seven years and fined after being found guilty of abusing his dog, Bentley, a male bull breed. The abuse, which was captured on CCTV, included throwing a rake at the frightened dog and using intimidating language.
Nathan Williams, of Hereford Road in Plymouth, appeared before Plymouth Magistrates’ Court earlier this month after being prosecuted by the RSPCA for animal welfare offenses. The abuse came to light when a housing officer alerted authorities to disturbing footage of Williams mistreating Bentley.
The footage, which was reviewed by a veterinarian, shows Williams intimidating Bentley with both physical actions and harsh verbal abuse. According to the vet’s report, Williams was seen blocking the dog from seeking refuge at the house and using frightening body language. In one instance, Williams threw a rake at Bentley, the metal part of which appeared to strike the dog.
The vet noted that the dog was visibly afraid and cowed down in fear. Despite Williams’ claims that the rake did not hit Bentley, the court found him guilty of both physical and psychological abuse.
At his sentencing on April 10, Williams was banned from keeping animals for seven years. The court also imposed a fine of £520. Importantly, Williams cannot appeal the disqualification for five years.
RSPCA Inspector Jim Farr, who led the investigation, stressed the importance of kindness and compassion in the care of animals. “Sharing our lives with our pets is a privilege, and they should be treated with kindness and compassion at all times,” Farr stated.
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