Wirral man, Carl Gallimore of Pasture Avenue pleaded guilty on Wednesday 4 October to causing unnecessary suffering to the Staffordshire bull terrier named Kiya, on the last day of a three-day trial at Sefton Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard that the incident was witnessed by a number of people on 5 October last year, on the corner of Pasture Road and Pasture Avenue.
RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes said: “We received a number of calls from shocked people who saw Gallimore punch and kick his dog a number of times – it would have been a very distressing incident to witness.
“The first punch made Kiya fall to the ground, and Gallimore then knelt on the dog and punched her again.
“Gallimore walked away with Kiya and his other dog, Kane, but continued to attack Kiya as they are walking. People were shouting and pleading with Gallimore to stop but the beating continued.”
The RSPCA launched an investigation to find the person responsible. The following week, the RSPCA and the police executed a warrant at Gallimore’s house and the two dogs were removed.
An examination by a vet showed Kiya had no lasting injuries from the attack.
Inspector Joynes said: “Gallimore attacked Kiya in a fit of anger, because she had slipped out of her lead and ran towards a guide dog. When I interviewed him, he admitted he hit her and that he did so too hard, and that he had drank at least four cans of alcohol before the incident. He also said in the interview that he loved his dogs and that they were his life.
“There is never an excuse to treat an animal in this way. CCTV footage clearly shows Gallimore raining punches on Kiya in an incident which would have caused her pain as well as leaving her terrified. Kiya was very lucky that she did not suffer any serious injuries as a result of the attack.”
As well as the 12-month disqualification order on keeping dogs, Gallimore was given a 12-month community order, was fined £50 and was ordered to pay £350 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.
A deprivation order was made on both dogs, who will now come into the RSPCA’s care.