A man from Greater London who admitted using harsh disciplinary and training methods on his dog has been banned from keeping canines for seven years after a prosecution by the RSPCA.
Daniel Kirwan of Rosslyn Crescent, Harrow, pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and appeared for sentencing at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on December 20.
The defendant was also placed under a 12-month community order which requires him to undertake 15 hours of rehabilitation activities, as well as drug rehabilitation.
The court heard the RSPCA investigated allegations the defendant was mistreating a Great Dane cross called Lizzie at his flat. A member of the public who believed the dog was being beaten regularly sent six video and audio clips capturing the defendant’s interaction with the dog to the animal charity.
While the footage showed little visually, the high-pitched sound of a dog yelping and a man shouting featured on most of them. An RSPCA animal behaviourist, who listened to the clips, said Kirwan’s behaviour was likely to have frightened and distressed the canine.
“I could hear high-pitched yelps with long pauses between them, which in my opinion conveyed distress,” said the animal behaviourist. “I also noted several concerns from the defendant’s interview record which suggest Lizzie was subject to unnecessary treatment, including shouting and grabbing at her in an attempt to train and correct behaviour.
“These behaviours were likely to have been perceived as threatening by Lizzie and were likely to have maintained a fearful mental state and caused ongoing distress.”
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Holly Walker attended at the defendant’s flat with a police officer on March 7 last year when Lizzie was seized and taken to be examined at RSPCA Finsbury Park Animal Hospital. The ARO said the dog appeared “very unsure, submissive and anxious”.
“I found Lizzie’s behaviour very concerning and I genuinely believe she was frightened. She displayed this behaviour both in her home and out of it,” said the officer.
In mitigation the court was told the defendant suffered from mental health and drug addiction issues. He was ordered to pay court costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £114.
Lizzie was cared for by the RSPCA after she was removed from the defendant.
Speaking after the hearing, RSPCA Inspector Nicole Broster said: “Lizzie was a very fearful dog when she came into the care of the RSPCA because of the harsh treatment she was subjected to by her former owner.
“Listening to the audio clips was deeply upsetting due to the obvious fear and distress Lizzie was exhibiting. This was accompanied by bangs, thuds and very loud shouting, screaming and swearing which meant I was extremely concerned for Lizzie’s welfare.
“We are extremely grateful to members of the public who report their concerns about cruelty and mistreatment of animals so that we can investigate them. In this case we were able to secure a conviction which prevents the defendant from owning dogs for some time.”
