David Allan Young, 61, of Longfield Road, Darlington, has been convicted of animal cruelty offences after being caught on camera kicking and hitting his elderly pet dog, Milo the Patterdale Terrier, who is blind and has health issues including cancer.
Young admitted two offences and was sentenced at Peterlee Magistrates Court on September 16. He was banned from keeping dogs for two years and ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £608. A second dog in his possession was made subject to a deprivation order, meaning it will be rehomed.
CCTV footage showed repeated abuse
The prosecution was brought by the RSPCA after a concerned member of the public shared footage of the abuse with officers. CCTV showed Young repeatedly kicking the dog, pulling him by the collar and shouting aggressively.
On June 11, RSPCA Inspector Clare Wilson visited Young's home and took Milo and the second dog into the charity's care. A vet found Milo had dental disease, cataracts and growths on his abdomen and testicle. Veterinary records showed that despite a dental disease diagnosis in 2023, there was no evidence he had ever received treatment.
Vet concluded non-accidental injury
The vet who examined Milo concluded he had been the victim of "non-accidental injury". They said: "[Young] tries to inflict harm on Milo on several occasions, this included hitting and kicking Milo and pulling him by his neck while failing to support his body weight appropriately… There was no reasonable explanation for these outbursts visible within the video footage. [Milo] will have suffered momentarily during the hitting, kicking and shouting episodes, however the emotional impact may have a life-long effect."
Due to his significant health problems, Milo is set to be put down following the conclusion of the three-week appeal period which applies to Young's sentence.
Court hears mitigation and RSPCA response
In mitigation, the court heard that Young had mental health difficulties and was remorseful. Following the sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Clare Wilson said: "Milo was an elderly and vulnerable dog who should have been able to spend his final years feeling safe and cared for. The footage showed a deeply concerning pattern of behaviour towards him, with Milo being kicked and dragged by his collar on multiple occasions. He was also suffering from a number of health problems which required veterinary attention. Pet owners have a legal responsibility to ensure that the welfare needs of their animals are met, including protecting them from pain, suffering, injury and disease. It is heartbreaking that Milo suffered in this way, particularly during his later years."
Anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal can report it to the RSPCA's cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.
