CONVICTED (2020) | Robert Colin Phillips, born c. 1993, of Parkhill Road, Wellswood, Torquay TQ1 2AL – caught on camera mistreating his pet dog.
Phillips, who works as a head chef at the Orange Tree Restaurant in Torquay, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog, a springer spaniel known as Bella.
The young dog ran off from Phillips after being startled by fireworks. When he caught up with her, he hit her in the neck twice before taking hold of her by the scruff of her neck and dangling her in the air. Part of the attack was caught on CCTV.
A man saw Phillips strike Bella several times with some force. She then escaped a second time and re-appeared at the feet of the witness who took her into a restaurant to look after her while the police were called.
The RSPCA say Bella is currently in a foster home with another dog that she loves.
Sentencing: 12 month community order involving 100 hours of unpaid work; a total of £390 costs and charges. Banned from owning dogs for three years (expires October 2023).
Update | August 2021
Phillips was back in court after being charged with breaching his disqualification order “by participating in the keeping and from being party to an arrangement under which could control or influence the way dogs are kept.” He pleaded not guilty but was convicted. He was fined £161 and ordered to pay costs of £775.
If you Haven’t Got The Patience.
To Work With A Frightened Dog.
Don’t have them in the first place.