A man has been banned from keeping animals after an underweight dog was filmed being thrown over a six-foot garden gate.
James Marchant, 42, was captured on camera by his neighbours in Bristol last September, grabbing the terrier by its neck and tossing it over his wooden gate, the RSPCA said.
The neighbours, witnessing the act, shouted for him to stop and promptly contacted the police.
Marchant was subsequently arrested and prosecuted by the animal welfare charity.
Bristol Magistrates’ Court heard that the dog, named Boomer, would have endured pain and anxiety from the incident.
A vet also found that Boomer was underweight and malnourished with very little fat coverage.
Marchant, of Privet Drive, Hartcliffe, Bristol, pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences, one concerning throwing Boomer over the fence, and another for failing to meet his need for a suitable diet.
He was banned from keeping animals for 10 years, ordered to pay £400 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.
Co-accused Clair Malik, 43, also of Privet Drive, Hartcliffe, Bristol, pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to meet Boomer’s needs in relation to his weight.
She was banned from keeping dogs for five years, fined £120 and ordered to pay £400 costs and a £40 victim surcharge.
RSPCA Inspector Kim Walters, who investigated for the charity, said: “Animals feel pain and suffering just like we do and always deserve to be shown kindness and compassion.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who speaks up for animals and grateful to the neighbour for reporting what they’d witnessed.
“We will always look into reports of animals suffering and we depend on the public to be our eyes and ears and report any concerns to us.”
