A man who punched and kicked his visibly frightened dog has been banned from keeping animals for seven years. Dog owner Scott Birt, aged 21, of Poinsettia Way, Newent, pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.
CCTV footage captured the moment Birt attacked his dog, Hugo, on a street in Gloucester. According to Gloucestershire Live, Birt was cycling with another man and Hugo on February 1 of this year.
Footage of the incident, which was shown in court, shows Birt dismount his bike and approach Hugo, who had been trailing behind his bike, as the dog cowers, seemingly expecting physical abuse. In shocking scenes which may distress some viewers, Birt kicks Hugo in the side of his head, causing him to fall backwards.
WARNING: This article contains images and footage which some people may find upsetting
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He then punches Hugo before holding him down to deliver further punches and standing on his lead so he is unable to flee. Birt can then be seen dragging Hugo back towards his bike. Speaking after the conclusion of the case, RSPCA inspector Jack Alderson, who investigated for the RSPCA, said: "Birt inflicted appalling and totally unnecessary violence on Hugo.
"There is never an excuse for treating an animal in this way."
Alongside the seven year disqualifications from keeping animals, which Birt can not appeal to have lifted for four years, he was also ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work in connection to the animal welfare offences.
After being placed in the care of the RSPCA, Hugo went to a foster carer, and will now be rehomed after being signed over in court. Birt also pleaded guilty to a Bail Act offence when he was sentenced at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on October 11.
