RSPCA: Man sent to prison after shocking film clip shows him kicking dog

Tuesday, 18 January 2011 12:00 AM

A MAN caught deliberately kicking his dog on camera has been sentenced to eight weeks in prison and banned from keeping animals.

Shocking Youtube footage showed Arthur Kent, 24, of Langley Road, Welling pulling Thumper the dog into the air by his collar and lead while taking him for a walk in Knee Hill Park near Woolwich, London on October 1.

The film, which was taken by a member of the public and circulated widely on the internet, also saw him kicking his pet with some considerable force.

Kent pleaded guilty after the RSPCA prosecuted him under the Animal Welfare Act for causing unnecessary suffering to a dog.

He appeared at Bexleyheath magistrates on December 20 and the case was adjourned until yesterday (Monday January 19) when he was given a custodial sentence of eight weeks and a five-year ban on keeping animals.

RSPCA Inspector Vikki Dawes said: 'The footage was extremely shocking and showed in no uncertain terms the cruelty that this dog endured.

"The animal was kicked repeatedly in a pretty brutal way then yanked high into the air. It was not pleasant viewing.

"We are incredibly grateful to the member of the public for filming the incident in this way as it was invaluable evidence and helped us take this case to court. It also drives home messages about animal cruelty in an incredibly powerful way - a way which would be difficult to convey so effectively through words."

Notes to editors:

Please call the press office for more information and interviews on 0300 123 0244/0288

RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk

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