CONVICTED (2021) | Benjamin Beverley, born 10 May 1968, of 10 Hordle Place, Harwich CO12 3PY – subjected his pet dog to a brutal public beating.
Beverley admitted four counts of causing intentional fear or provocation of violence, one count of causing harassment, alarm or distress and two counts of animal cruelty.
On February 16, 2021, police were called to Lower Marine Parade in Harwich after concerned members of the public reported they had seen a man abusing a dog on the beach.
Further reports said that the man had also become aggressive towards people when they tried to intervene and help the animal.
A witness of the event which occurred at about 8.45am took to Facebook to report what happened.
She said: “It was very upsetting, he let the dog off the lead and it ran on the beach and attacked a little Springer Spaniel several times.
“His dog wouldn’t return to him and eventually when he got it he really beat it, holding it up and punching it.
“He carried it back to the promenade hanging from its collar.”
Another witness added: “It was the most awful thing I’ve seen, that poor dog’s little body.
“I was so upset with anger, I tried to buy the dog from him.
“Anyone who confronted him got a mouthful.
“I dread to think what he does to that poor dog behind closed doors.”
Following an investigation, Harwich Community Policing Team and the RSPCA visited a local address, where they found a further two dogs, which had injuries and their needs were not being met by the owner.
The three pooches were taken away and handed to the RSPCA, which led the investigation.
Sentencing: 15-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months; total of £813 in costs and charges; 20-day activity programme with the probation service. Five-year ban on keeping any animal (expires November 2026).
If you haven’t got the patience for Basic Training, that a Dog will need. Then don’t get A Dog in the first place.