CAUTION: VIDEO INCLUDES DISTRESSING VIDEOS
Michael Hilton, 61, performed what was referred to as a “sustained physical attack” on his animal dog Ben, which was recorded on video camera in Leigh on December 6.
Hilton was seen kicking Ben 11 times, with 9 of the blows of such force that the dog’s head and body jerked in reverse from the effect.
He likewise struck the lurcher on his upper neck and shoulder area.
The video was passed to the RSPCA, which introduced an examination and spoke with Hilton.
He pleaded guilty to one offense of triggering unneeded suffering to an animal by causing blunt force injury and physical violence, contrary to the Animal Welfare Act, at a court hearing previously this year.
Sentencing Hilton, Wigan magistrates heard how following the attack, Ben revealed instant indications of worry, dropping to the ground and trying to retreat, however he was not able to do so since he was being limited on a lead by his owner.
RSPCA inspector Vicki Brooks, who led the examination for the animal well-being charity, said: “I viewed the footage and saw a person enter the field of view from the left with a large light-coloured dog that appeared to be on a lead held by that person and wearing a dark-coloured muzzle. I saw the person forcefully kick, punch and stamp on the dog, striking the animal a total of 12 times with a foot and two times with a hand.
“The dog could be seen trying to back away from the person. It was clear that the feet and hands made significant contact with the dog.
“The name and address provided for the person seen assaulting the dog in the footage was Michael Hilton.”
The veterinarian who analyzed the video and offered proof in the event said: “Ben was caused to suffer as a consequence of physical abuse. Suffering will have been experienced by this animal via mechanisms of fear and distress for a period of at least several minutes, possibly longer, and pain for a period of several hours, possibly longer. In my opinion, the animal involved in this case has been caused to suffer.”
Describing the attack as “nasty”, magistrates enforced a deprivation order on Ben and prohibited Hilton, of Sandersons Croft in Leigh, from keeping any animal for 5 years.
He was likewise provided a 12-month neighborhood order, need to do 150 hours of overdue work and was bought to pay £400 in expenses.
Speaking after the conclusion of the case, Ms Brooks said: “Mr Hilton’s actions towards his pet were totally unnecessary and unacceptable. Ben could neither escape nor defend himself from this assault and we’re grateful to the person that alerted us and enabled Mr Hilton to be held accountable for his actions.”
Ben remains in the care of the RSPCA and following the conclusion of the case the charity will now have the ability to rehome him.
