Couple who abused dog during argument handed five-year ban
The RSPCA say Spike was subjected to 'horrendous mistreatment'
A Southampton couple who mistreated their dog while arguing in public have been banned from keeping dogs for five years.
Police and the RSPCA launched investigations after eyewitnesses saw Ami Wynn and Peter Gordon physically abusing young dachshund Spike on the afternoon of June 12th, 2023.
The couple had gone to the river at Brockenhurst with Spike and whilst there they had an argument.
Eyewitnesses - who called police with concerns and confronted the pair over their mistreatment of Spike - reported seeing them arguing before Wynn pinned Spike to the ground by his scruff.
She then hit him six or seven times on the ribs and stomach area which caused him to squeal.
She was then seen to pick him up and threw him towards a bush approximately 15 feet (4.5 metres) away.
Gordon was then seen dragging Spike on his lead before he picked him up and threw him at Wynn, who then repeatedly threw Spike to the ground from chest height whilst screaming and shouting towards Gordon.
Another eyewitness later observed Wynn holding Spike and striking him to the head and chest before throwing him. They approached the couple and took Spike from them before calling the police.
In the veterinary report presented to court, the vet said:
“It is clear from the descriptions given by the witnesses that Spike suffered a highly abusive prolonged physical attack.
"It is my expert opinion that undoubtedly Spike suffered physical pain as a consequence of the physical abuse that was directed at him both by Ms Wynn and to a lesser extent by Mr Gordon."
The vet also believed Spike “has been caused to suffer mentally from fear and terror as a consequence of the actions of both Mr Gordon and Ms Wynn throughout this incident. Clearly both the physical and mental suffering could have been totally avoided by Mr Gordon and Ms Wynn not being physically abusive towards Spike.”
Alongside the disqualification from keeping dogs, 47-year-olds Wynn, of Condor Drive, and Gordon, of Blackthorn Road, were also sentenced to a 12 month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days and ordered to pay a £350 fine and £114 victim surcharge. Spike has also since been rehomed since his rescue.
In mitigation, it was said that issues arose when alcohol was involved.
RSPCA Inspector Miranda Albinson, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said:
"We’re really grateful to all the members of the public who kindly helped Spike and intervened when seeing him being subjected to horrendous mistreatment. They are animal heroes who stood up for Spike when he was in desperate need.
"Animals feel pain and suffering just like we do and always deserve to be shown kindness and compassion.
"Sadly Spike wasn’t shown the care he deserved when he was abused in public."