Shocking footage shows Peterlee man kicking his dog 15 times

Paul Cowie, 57, of Sledmere Close, Peterlee, was recorded repeatedly kicking his dog across the street.

The lurcher, named Benji, did not retaliate in the footage, but instead was seen cowering and trying to avoid Cowie’s aggressive kicks.

RSPCA inspector Clare Wilson began an investigation into the incident on November 4, 2022 and Cowie was hauled before the court.

He admitted one offence of causing unnecessary suffering under the Animal Welfare Act after inflicting blunt force trauma and physical violence to Benji.

He was sentenced at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on April 25. Magistrates imposed the five-year ban and a deprivation order in relation to Benji, who is now in the care of the RSPCA. Cowie was also sentenced to a 12-month Community Order to include 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and a nine-month alcohol treatment order, as well as paying £450 costs with a £115 victim surcharge.

The court heard, in mitigation, that Cowie was struggling with alcohol and was shocked when he viewed the footage and saw himself kicking the dog.

The vet who assessed Benji said, in a written statement, that: “There is no indication as to why the man (Cowie) started kicking the dog. The dog showed no signs of aggression and was behaving normally. It is evident from the body language of the dog that it was being submissive, was scared and attempting to avoid the kicks.

“When the dog pulled on the lead in an attempt to escape the attack, the man used the lead to pull him closer. At times the force of the kicks lifted the dog off its feet, and on one occasion caused it to fall over backwards.”

In the CCTV footage viewed by the court, Cowie kicks Benji approximately 15 times in just over a minute.

Inspector Clare Wilson who investigated the incident said: “This is a very sad case where a dog suffered because of horrendous physical violence. There is never any excuse for this type of violence - and this footage makes very difficult viewing.

“Dogs experience a range of emotions including fear and anxiety, it is deeply distressing to think of the stress and pain Benji experienced as a consequence of this attack.

“However we are pleased Benji is now doing well and will soon be put up for rehoming to a new loving owner.

“Benji was initially in the care of Stray Aid and then was transferred into RSPCA care. Benji is a friendly dog and the staff looking after him have had no trouble with him.”