CONVICTED (2020) | Isaac McFarlane, born c. 1999, of Upper Church Lane, Tipton DY4 – mistreated a Shiba Inu puppy.

Freelance photographer Isaac McFarlane was found guilty of four animal welfare charges after a trial at Birmingham Magistrates Court.

The court heard how McFarlane was seen to abuse the Shiba Inu dog called Yoshiko by a witness on February 16, 2019, and they reported the matter to the RSPCA. The witness said how they had seen the dog tethered on a short leash and have water thrown over her by McFarlane.

They also said they saw the defendant lift the dog completely off the ground by her front paw and he also lifted the dog by her tail – again with all four paws off the ground.

RSPCA inspector Vicki Taylor visited McFarlane’s address to investigate. She described how as she approached the garden she could see Yoshiko was lying down on the grass but struggled getting up when she saw her.

She said: “The dog appeared slow and stiff upon rising from the ground and uncomfortable when walking. The front end of the dog was treading tentatively over the garden and appeared like an arthritic older dog.

“The dog then lay back down.”

She then saw McFarlane and asked to see his dog – but as he went towards Yoshiko the pet appeared nervous and scared. The dog immediately backed away and, the inspector said, showed signs that she was scared.

Ms Taylor said: “The dog cowered and backed off, not wanting to go near McFarlane, turning her head away but trying to watch McFarlane, with her tail between the legs.

“McFarlane picked the dog up and brought her into the property where the dog walked straight into a dog crate in the kitchen and lay at the back.

“She walked very stiffly into the crate and when trying to walk back out when called hesitated and appeared to be sore getting the front right leg over the lip of the crate.

“I explained my concerns to McFarlane who admitted the dog looked stiff but denied hurting his pet.”

Ms Taylor asked if she could take the dog to be examined by a vet, to which McFarlane agreed, but Yoshiko could not walk to her van due to the injury and had to be carried.

On examination a vet found lameness on the right forelimb which was likely to have been caused by a soft tissue injury. This was consistent with what the witness reported.

Yoshiko has since made good progress in RSPCA care and is now in the care of a foster carer who plans to adopt her.

Ms Taylor added: “She is a playful and more confident dog that you would expect from this breed and I am pleased to say she is doing really well.”

Sentencing: 18-month community order which includes 200 hours of unpaid work and a 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement. Ordered to pay a total of £1,085 in fines and charges. A 10-year ban on keeping animals.

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