CONVICTED (2017) | Daniel McCreedy, born 11/05/1984, of Selby Rise, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 5EE
McCreedy, then of Campbell Road in Brighton, was caught on CCTV carrying out the beating on his friend’s Staffordshire bull terrier cross at the Royal Oak pub in Lewes, East Sussex, on April 13, 2017.
He pleaded guilty to subjecting the dog, known as Babe, to unreasonable violence and causing him unnecessary suffering.
The court was shown a 20-minute video of the attack, in which McCreedy punches Babe 36 times, kicks him four times, chokes him twice with a lead and proceeds to pour a beer over his head.
RSPCA Inspector Tony Woodley, who led the investigation said: “Watching this video is just heart-breaking and stomach-churning. This dog is completely subordinate and this prolonged period of abuse is totally unwarranted and frankly disturbing.
“The poor dog is just absolutely terrified and also confused. One minute McCreedy is hitting him repeatedly in the head, the next minute he is cuddling the dog in a bid to pretend he is a caring animal owner. It is just horrific to see and a vet who watched this said that in their opinion there is no doubt this dog was caused pain and suffering during this sustained attack.
“It is perhaps lucky that the poor dog did not suffer any lasting physical injuries as a result of this attack, but he would clearly have been severely traumatised by McCreedy’s actions.
“I would like to thank everyone who has helped to bring this case to court including the witnesses who gave statements and of course the landlady who provided us with the CCTV which quickly led to McCreedy’s identification.”
Speaking after the sentencing, Babe’s owner, James Hardaker, from Moulsecoomb, said: “Babe was always very friendly to people, but now barks at them because he is scared. I’ve been advised to have him put down.
“I am going to try and re-train him as a pup to get him back to how he was.”
Sentencing: 12-month community order, 20 days of rehabilitation for mental health illness, and an eight-week curfew. Ordered to pay £300 in costs and an £85 government surcharge. Disqualified from having any contact with animals until further notice.