CONVICTED (2021) | Martin D Thomas, born 14 July 1983, of 186 Bournemouth Road, Poole BH14 9HZ – beat his husky dog so badly she lost control of her bladder and bowel
Thomas admitted causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and failing to ensure the needs of an animal for which he was responsible were met.
At around 6pm on Friday February 12, 2001, officers were called to reports of a man beating his dog outside Tesco Express in Bournemouth Road, Poole.
After enquiries were carried out, officers located Thomas at his address nearby and due to the concerns that had been raised, the unnamed dog was seized using powers under the Animal Welfare Act. She was then taken to a vet, where is was confirmed she had sustained bruising but no other injuries.
Officers obtained CCTV, which showed the defendant beating his eight-month old pet repeatedly to the head, causing her to urinate and defecate over the pavement outside the store.
Thomas was interviewed and charged with the animal welfare offences.
He was originally due to appear at court on Friday April 16, but failed to attend and a warrant was issued for his arrest. The warrant was executed on Sunday April 25 and he appeared it court the following day.
Sentencing: 12-month community order, with 200 hours of unpaid work and 14-day rehabilitation activity requirement; compensation of £1,300 toward vets and animal rescue bills. Five-year ban on keeping animals (expires April 2026). Deprivation order on the dog, who can now be rehomed.
If you haven’t got the patience for Basic Training A Dog will need.
Don’t bother to have one in the first place.