Life ban for man who swung dog 'like lasso'

May 8 2008 Media Wales

A man who swung a dog on a lead around his head “like a lasso,” has been banned from keeping animals for life.

Paul Walters was sentenced after being found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to his dog Megan.

The unemployed 40-year-old from Alma Street, Brynmawr, South Wales, had denied the charge at Abergavenny Magistrates’ Court during a trial last month.

He had told the court he took the dog for a walk on the night in question, October 20 last year, but was at home when the incident was said to have happened.

Walters was convicted after witnesses told the court they had seen him swinging the dog “like a lasso” and that it hit a road sign.

While a vet’s report found no injuries to the cross-breed terrier, it added that the dog would have experienced “pain, fear and anxiety.”

As well as the animal ban, Walters was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work in the community, pay £250 costs to the RSPCA and legal costs of £250.