Dogs beaten and kicked, police officers charged
Prestatyn, WA (UK)Incident Date: Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged:
» Craig Neil Macleod
» Anja Mason
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Two police officers who kicked and beat their pet dogs were yesterday warned they could face jail.
A neighbour filmed PC Craig Neil Macleod, 34, and PC Anja Mason, 29, repeatedly hitting their Border Collie pup called Tess and four-year-old Rottweiler, Snoopy.
At Denbigh Magistrates court the couple, from The Meadows, Prestatyn, were told they could both lose their jobs when they are sentenced next month.
North Wales police last night confirmed both serving constables have been removed from frontline duties pending the outcome of the case.
A neighbour captured shocking footage of the pair using "unnecessary and excessive" violence over a month-long period, during which the court heard the animals suffered "mental terror".
In one shot, Mason is seen kicking the four-month-old puppy before flinging it in the air by the scruff of its neck.
In another, Macleod drags a four-year-old Rottweiler towards him by its lead before hitting it on the head.
He also forcefully kicks a dog toy, which hits Tess.
In another clip the collie is seen running away as Mason chases it with a stick.
Yelps of distress from both dogs can be heard on the tape.
View the video evidence tape here
On separate occasions the pair are seen to throw water over the dogs.
Yesterday Macleod pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering by subjecting both animals to physical trauma.
Mason admitted one count of the same charge against the collie pup, Tess.
Four other charges against the pair were dropped because of lack of evidence.
The court heard a neighbour expressed concerns to the RSPCA over a three-year period but inspectors found no evidence of cruelty.
The neighbour then bought camera equipment and filmed the events in the couple's yard, between March 18 and April 16.
There were gasps in the court room when 20 minutes of edited footage was shown of the cruelty.
In one clip the puppy is struck and kicked after it pulls an item of washing off the line.
Some of the abuse takes place out of sight of the camera but the animal's cries can clearly be heard.
Glenn Murphy, prosecuting, said: "When the footage was shown to the RSPCA, they found the view that the treatment of the dogs was of considerable concern and was excessive and totally unacceptable."
The court heard how Macleod, who is seen in the video throwing a bowl of water at the pets, had taken advice from a dog handler who told him to discipline his "over-zealous" Rottweiler by spraying it with water.
He said he was concerned about it snapping at his eight-year-old daughter.
The pair claimed they were trying to train their pets but admitted they had chastised them.
After a veterinary report, they signed over the animals which have now been given new homes.
Vet David Martin said "these actions are not those of competent and humane animal carers".
But Joanne Stephens, defending, said Macleod and Mason stand to lose their jobs as serving officers for North Wales Police.
Ms Stephens' said the couple "cared for the wellbeing of the dogs" because they were kept fed and watered. They have expressed a great deal of remorse and shame."
Chair of the bench Wendy Gibbs said a custodial sentence could not be ruled out after magistrates found no mitigating factors.
She said: "There were several incidents of deliberate ill treatment which was frightening to both dogs. You intentionally caused pain and suffering and mental terror to both dogs."
A North Wales Police spokeswoman said: "Following yesterday's court appearance, both officers have been placed in non-operational roles.
"As matters have not yet been finalised in court, it would be inappropriate to make further comment at present."
The case was adjourned and the couple will appear before magistrates in Denbigh on November 25.
Case UpdatesThe two dogs were moved to loving new homes by the RSPCA after they were kicked and beaten by their former owners – two North Wales police officers.
Last week, PCs Craig Neil Macleod, 34, and Anja Mason, 29, were taken off front line duty after they were caught on camera repeatedly assaulting their pets.
Magistrates heard a neighbour captured shocking footage of the pair, from The Meadows, Prestatyn, subjecting the animals to a month of "mental terror" and violence.
They have now been warned they face jail and could lose their jobs when they appear before magistrates again on November 25.
Meanwhile, the RSPCA has found happy new homes for Tess, now eight months, and four-year-old Snoopy, now renamed Damien.
The rottweiler's new owner Sonia Jepson said she was "totally disgusted" when she found out what her pet had been through.
"Damien is the fourth Rottweiler I have rescued from the Bryn y Maen RSPCA animal centre in Colwyn Bay over the last 13 years," she said.
"At first I didn't know the extent of the abuse the dog had suffered, and didn't want to know, but I was totally disgusted when I found out.
"Why did these people spend money on a pedigree Rottweiler only to treat him like that?
"When he first came to us, Damien was cowering in the corner, he couldn't understand why we were giving him treats, he was in a right mess.
"Now, after four months, he is happy and friendly, he loves children and always wants to play."
Mrs Jepson added: "My 16-year-old son Christopher adores him and he is best friends with my other rescued Rottweiler Hooch.
"The vets and the RSPCA have been a fantastic support, Damien has put weight on and now has a sparkle in his eye."
Growing pup Tess has also been re-housed within North Wales but her new owners did not want to be named.
An RSPCA spokesman said the collie is "doing well" and has a big garden area to play in.
She is playful and friendly and settling in well.
The two cops had kicked and beat her and threw her into the air by the scruff of her neck. | Source: Daily Post - Nov 7, 2008
Update posted on Nov 9, 2008 - 7:30PM |
References
|
