CONVICTED (2023) | backyard breeder Jonathan Sharples, born 27 November 1996, of Mavor Drive, Bedworth CV12 0HD – caught on camera beating one of his dogs with a baseball bat.
Sharples violently struck a Presa Canario called Pablo several times after separating him from another dog in kennels at his home in Mavor Drive, Bedworth.
A police investigation also uncovered how he had failed to seek treatment for a painful cruciate injury suffered by another dog, bull breed Santorini, that caused lameness in her right hind leg.
In the video a large brindle-patterned dog can be seen latched onto another dog through the bars of kennels.
Two women are heard shouting and calling out in distress before they are joined by two men, including Sharples, who separate the dogs using a plank of wood and a baseball bat.
The video then shows Sharples repeatedly hitting Pablo long after he had moved away from the other dog.
The footage was sent to the local authority’s animal warden licensing inspector who then contacted the RSPCA.
A copy of the video was also shared with the police dog legislation officer who organised a warrant and seized the dogs in Sharples’ care.
In court, Sharples admitted to charges of animal cruelty and neglect.
RSPCA Inspector Herchy Boal said: “Sharples inflicted unnecessary suffering by repeatedly and violently hitting his dog with the baseball bat long after the two dogs had been separated. There is never an excuse for treating an animal in this way.
“I’m grateful to the police dog legislation officer Craig Leach and local authority animal warden licensing inspector Louisa Cullen for all their support during this investigation. It helped secure the safety of Sharples’ dogs.
“A dog called Santorini was found at the property with an untreated cruciate injury which is very painful and required surgery. She’s also now fully recovered.
“It’s essential animal owners make sure they always receive care and treatment from veterinary experts when they need it. They are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and that they are kept safe and healthy.”
Sentencing | two-year community order with 200 hours of unpaid work and 30 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days; victim surcharge. Banned from keeping dogs for four years (expires November 2027).
