This disturbing footage shows a man deliberately and violently pushing a long wooden stick into a kennel towards his terrified dog.
Carl Radman has been banned from keeping animals for two years for intimidating his mastiff-type dog, Achilles.
Wirral Magistrates Court was shown the footage on Wednesday (19/06) and the 39-year-old owner can be seen repeatedly prodding a large stick towards Achilles in his outdoor kennel while shouting abuse at the pup.
The court heard the incident took place at Radman’s home in the Wirral, Merseyside on March 11 and was filmed by a concerned neighbour who confronted him about his terrorising behaviour before calling the RSPCA.
Radman pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to his pet and was banned from keeping animals for two years.
The court heard RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes was sent to investigate and showed footage of the incident to a vet who certified that Achilles would have been caused unnecessary suffering.
Merseyside Police were then able to seize the dog and place him into the care of the RSPCA.
In his interview, Radman claimed he was trying to get Achilles to drop a dead rat and also said he wanted to show the dog he was “head of the pack.”
Speaking after the case, Insp Joynes: “The way Radman behaved towards his dog was completely uncalled for.
“Whether the dog had done something wrong or not his violent behaviour was completely inappropriate and unacceptable and would have made Achilles fear he was being attacked.
“I’m thankful to the witnesses for doing what they could to ensure Achilles will not be subjected to this behaviour again.”
Achilles, who Radman had as a pet for eight years, was also 5kg underweight and had pressure sores on his body from laying down for long periods in his outside kennel – which was not weatherproof.
He is now doing well in RSPCA care and it is hoped he will be re-homed soon.
Radman was also ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £995.