A COUPLE who subjected their pet to prolonged physical abuse while arguing in Brockenhurst have been banned from keeping dogs for five years.
Passers-by intervened after seeing young dachshund Spike being thrown, dragged and beaten as Ami Wynn and Peter Gordon quarrelled by a river near Balmer Lawn Hotel, off Lyndhurst Road, Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard.
An RSPCA investigation and prosecution led to the 47-year-olds being found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
Young dachshund Spike was mistreated by Ami Wynn and Peter Gordon at Brockenhurst
Wyn and Gordon, respectively of Condor Drive and Blackthorn Road in Southampton, were Spike’s joint owners.
The incident unfolded on the afternoon of 12th June 2023, when witnesses called police and confronted the pair over their pet’s mistreatment.
They reported seeing them arguing before Wynn pinned Spike to the ground by his scruff and hit him six or seven times on the ribs and stomach area, causing him to squeal.
She was then seen to pick him up and throw him towards a bush about 15ft (4.5m) away.
Gordon reportedly dragged Spike on his lead before picking him up and throwing him at Wynn. She was said to then repeatedly throw him to the ground from chest height while screaming and shouting at Gordon.
Another witness later saw Wynn holding Spike and striking him to the head and chest before throwing him.
They approached the couple and took Spike from them before raising the alarm.
A vet’s report to the court 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”.
The report continued: “Clearly both the physical and mental suffering could have been totally avoided by Mr Gordon and Ms Wynn not being physically abusive towards Spike.”
In the couple’s defence, it was said issues arose when alcohol was involved.
As well as the keeping dogs ban, Wynn and Gordon were each handed 12-month community orders requiring they undergo rehabilitation activity.
They were also each fined £350 and told to pay a £114 surcharge to help fund victim support services.
Spike has been rehomed since his rescue.
Welcoming the outcome, RSPCA inspector Miranda Albinson, who carried out the investigation, praised those who stepped in when they saw Spike’s “horrendous mistreatment”.
“They are animal heroes who stood up for Spike when he was in desperate need,” she said.
“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.”