Terrence Tovey, aged 66, managed to avoid a jail sentence after being captured on camera brutally beating and hanging a German Shepherd named Dylan from a fence in Llanelli, south Wales.
The appalling incident, in which Tovey kicked and dragged the defenseless dog along with its lead before suspending it from the fence, was recorded by a nearby CCTV camera. The distressing footage was subsequently handed over to the RSPCA for investigation.
Following a public appeal by the RSPCA, Tovey pleaded guilty to two charges under the Animal Welfare Act in Llanelli Magistrates’ Court, Carmarthenshire. He admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Dylan by subjecting the animal to physical abuse and mental distress, as well as failing to meet the dog’s essential needs.
Tovey, a resident of Llanelli, received a suspended custodial sentence of 12 weeks, valid for 12 months, and was prohibited from keeping any domestic animals for a period of 10 years. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £400 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge, along with a 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. Dylan has since been placed with a new owner.
An independent veterinary report presented to the court confirmed that Dylan experienced pain and distress due to Tovey’s actions of kicking and suspending the dog by its neck.
The footage depicted the dog in an extremely distressed state while hanging from the fence, with only the intervention of a second individual interrupting the process and alleviating the dog’s immediate suffering.
The report also highlighted the dog’s submissive behavior and fearful body language during the incident, indicating mental distress caused by Tovey’s actions.
RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben expressed his distress at witnessing the footage and emphasized that such treatment was completely unacceptable for any animal, let alone a beloved pet.
He extended gratitude to those who provided the evidence and information leading to the conviction, as well as the individuals who intervened on the day of the incident. The RSPCA relies on the public’s support and cooperation to combat animal cruelty effectively.
