A man caught on CCTV repeatedly kicking his lurcher Benji has been banned from keeping animals for five years.
Paul Cowie, 57, of Peterlee was captured on camera kicking Benji 15 times in one minute during the horrifying attack in October last year.
The footage shows the lurcher cowering and trying to avoid Cowie’s aggressive kicks.
Read more: The North East postcodes with the worst drivers - see how many there are near you
A vet who assessed Benji after the incident said the dog showed no signs of aggression.
WARNING - Video contains scenes some viewers may find upsetting. Viewer discretion advised
In a written statement they said: “There is no indication as to why the man (Cowie) started kicking the dog. The dog showed no signs of aggression and was behaving normally. It is evident from the body language of the dog that it was being submissive, was scared and attempting to avoid the kicks.
“When the dog pulled on the lead in an attempt to escape the attack, the man used the lead to pull him closer. At times the force of the kicks lifted the dog off its feet, and on one occasion caused it to fall over backwards.”
The dog has since been taken into the care of the RPSCA and will soon be put up for rehoming.
To get more stories direct to your email basket go here
Appearing before Peterlee Magistrates Court last week (April 25) Cowie admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Benji by inflicting blunt force trauma and physical violence.
In mitigation the court heard that Cowie was struggling with alcohol and was shocked when he viewed the footage and saw himself kicking his pet.
Read next:
- Trucking firm fined £140k after Darlington dad killed instantly by falling machinery
- Man discharges himself from hospital to get prime Coronation spot
- Teesside Airport forced to close runway and divert flights as plane veers off
Get more from The Northern Echo with a Premium Plus digital subscription from as little as only £1.50 a week. Click here
Cowie, of Sledmere Close, Peterlee, was banned by magistrates from keeping animals for five years.
He was also sentenced to a 12 month community order and ordered to undertake 20 days’ rehab and a nine-month alcohol treatment order.
He will have to pay £450 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel