A man whose frequent assaults on his dog in Greater London were captured on a Ring Doorbell camera has been prosecuted by the RSPCA.
Four separate videos showing footage of Aaron Gowland’s attacks on a white and brown coloured crossbreed puppy called Kinder were sent to the animal charity’s national call centre. They showed how the defendant’s behaviour left the pet whimpering and crying at the flat where he used to live at High Road, Cowley, Uxbridge during April this year (2024).
Gowland, (D.o.B 10/11/1993) now of Gloucester Avenue, Accrington, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 of causing unnecessary suffering to the dog by inflicting trauma on the animal.
As well as being banned from keeping any type of animals for five years, the defendant received an eight-week prison sentence, which was suspended for 12 months, when he appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on November 15. As part of his suspended sentence order he has to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
RSPCA Inspector Nicole Broster interviewed Gowland about the videos, one of which showed the defendant striking the young dog with his hand and the handle of his lead around eight times. He also was shown shaking the puppy with both hands.
Another video showed the defendant shaking and striking the canine while raising his voice and telling him “Are you just going to be this awkward all of your life?”
In one of the videos the dog was pulled forcibly by his lead several times causing him to yelp and then he was pulled so hard that three of his legs were dangling off the ground.
The defendant agreed to sign Kinder over into the care of the charity when RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Holly Walker attended at the defendant’s home on April 17.
Kinder was taken to RSPCA Finsbury Park Animal Hospital to be checked over and while a medical examination did not find he suffered any injuries as a result of the attacks, a vet said in his report: “This handling was not appropriate. Striking an animal, pulling it by an extendable lead and shaking it can cause pain and distress and risk of injury. Kinder displayed fearful behaviour as his tail was between his legs and his back was cowered. It cannot be ruled out that pain and fear were inflicted on the dog.
“The defendant spoke to the dog with a raised voice and used negative training techniques in an attempt to control and reprimand a dog who was likely to be less than six/seven months old at the time.”
The court was told the defendant was “very ashamed and full of regret and remorse” and it was said his behaviour was out of character.
Gowland was told to pay a total of £2496.08, a sum made up of court costs of £400, all of the charity’s legal costs of £1,942.08 and a victim surcharge of £154.
Speaking after the sentencing, Inspector Broster said: “The defendant left this poor puppy whimpering in fear and pain because of his aggressive and cruel behaviour. He showed a complete disregard for the welfare of the dog, who thankfully escaped injury during this ordeal at the hands of his owner.
“After spending time in RSPCA foster care, Kinder has now been rehomed by one of the RSPCA’s inspectors who has taken Kinder into his own home where he is thriving. He is being truly loved and cared for and I couldn’t have wished for a better new home for him.”
