Man was filmed repeatedly kicking his innocent dog in the face and body (original) (raw)

A Cwmbran man has been barred from owning dogs for a decade after admitting kicking his dog. Jason Self, 43, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act and appeared at Newport Magistrates' Court on October 3 for sentencing.

The court heard Self, of Belle Vue Road, Cwmbran, was filmed by a member of the public physically assaulting his male English Bulldog, named Bruce. Self received a 12-month community order, was ordered to complete 10 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement, 60 hours unpaid work, and pay a £114 victim surcharge.

He was also banned from keeping dogs for 10 years. In mitigation, the court heard he was remorseful.

READ MORE: On-the-run crime mum 'changed name, bought boat, and had fake doctor's ID and scrubs'

READ MORE: Trial of girl accused of attempting to murder teaches and pupil in school stabbing abandoned due to jury 'irregularities'

The court heard Self's cruelty came to light after a member of the public caught the act on video and tipped off the RSPCA. RSPCA Inspector Simon Evans said in court that the incident, which occurred in November 2023, involved Bruce being "repeatedly kicked" in the face and body, as cited by a witness to the ordeal.

Having secured a warrant in December, Inspector Evans was informed Bruce was no longer at Self's residence and had found a new home since Thursday, November 23. The court heard that Inspector Evans later met Bruce and his new owner who said she had no concerns as to the dog’s temperament and that they were very happy that the dog had come to live with them. For the latest court reports, sign up to our crime newsletter here

In a witness statement, a vet who viewed the video said: "The person in question kicks the dog with force a number of times to the body and the head, then picks the dog up by the scruff and under the body, carries it to the bottom of the garden area and throws it to the ground forcefully enough that it can be heard on the video from a distance. These blows and the fall will have directly caused acute pain to the dog and also ongoing pain from bruising, with the force that some of the blows landed with.

"The dog is likely to have been afraid during the event, being shouted at, kicked and being aggressively picked up and thrown. This event clearly shows deliberate actions on behalf of the person involved to try to cause pain and suffering to the dog and they did cause that pain and suffering."

After the sentencing, Inspector Evans said: "This was a very upsetting case and we are very thankful for the person who provided us with the video evidence. We are pleased that Bruce was rehomed and is happy in his new home."

Story Saved

You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.