Cruel Peterlee dog owner banned from having pets after…

Cruel Peterlee dog owner banned from having pets after violently kicking lurcher across the street

A cruel dog owner who was caught on CCTV kicking his dog 15 times in one minute has been banned from keeping animals for five years.

Paul Cowie, 57, was recorded repeatedly kicking his dog, Benji, across the street while the poor lurcher cowered away from his aggression. RSPCA inspector Clare Wilson launched an investigation in November last year and Cowie, of Sledmere Close, Peterlee, was brought to Peterlee Magistrates’ Court.

The dog owner admitted one offence of causing unnecessary suffering under the Animal Welfare Act after inflicting blunt force trauma and physical violence to Benji. The court heard, in mitigation, that Cowie was struggling with alcohol and was shocked when he viewed the footage and saw himself kicking the dog.

At the sentencing hearing, magistrates imposed a five-year animal ban and a deprivation order in relation to Benji, who is now in the care of the RSPCA. Cowie was also sentenced to a 12-month community order to include 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and a nine-month alcohol treatment order, as well as paying £450 costs with a £115 victim surcharge.

The vet who assessed Benji said, in a written statement: “There is no indication as to why the man (Cowie) started kicking the dog. The dog showed no signs of aggression and was behaving normally.

Paul Cowie, 57, was recorded repeatedly kicking his dog, Benji, across the street. (RSPCA)

"It is evident from the body language of the dog that it was being submissive, was scared and attempting to avoid the kicks.

“When the dog pulled on the lead in an attempt to escape the attack, the man used the lead to pull him closer. At times the force of the kicks lifted the dog off its feet, and on one occasion caused it to fall over backwards.”

Inspector Clare Wilson who investigated said the footage was very difficult to watch but said Benji would now be placed in a loving home.

“This is a very sad case where a dog suffered because of horrendous physical violence," she said.

"There is never any excuse for this type of violence - and this footage makes for very difficult viewing. Dogs experience a range of emotions including fear and anxiety, it is deeply distressing to think of the stress and pain Benji experienced as a consequence of this attack.

"However, we are pleased Benji is now doing well and will soon be put up for rehoming to a new loving owner. Benji was initially in the care of Stray Aid and then was transferred into RSPCA care.

"Benji is a friendly dog and the staff looking after him have had no trouble with him.”

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