Man Banned From Owning Pets for 10 Years After Bashing Dog
Eastlakes man Grant Haggart, 46, was convicted in a Sydney court on August 15 of animal cruelty, after heartbreaking footage surfaced showing him kicking, punching and choking his dog after it stole a child’s ice cream and ran away from Haggart.
In footage given to Storyful by the RSPCA New South Wales, Haggart can be seen hurting the dog in an elevator on March 7, 2017.
The dog, a staffy named Arian, was subsequently adopted by a family from a council pound, before it was surrendered for behavioural issues.
RSPCA said in a statement: “Arian underwent an extensive behavioural rehabilitation plan in care for two months, including being transferred to the external rehabilitation program at John Morony Correctional Complex. Unfortunately despite all attempts, Arian was ultimately deemed a safety risk for staff, inmates and potential adopters and as such was deemed unsuitable for rehoming by behavior experts and was humanely euthanised.”
RSPCA Chief Inspector David O’Shannessy said: “This footage is very disturbing, and to think that anyone is capable of such a violent, unprovoked attack on an innocent animal is just beyond comprehension.”
“RSPCA NSW works hard to ensure all abuse victims have the best chance at life after assault. Unfortunately the sad reality is, that is not always possible, which makes our job really difficult and often a heartbreaking one.”
Haggart did not appear in court on August 15 but in his absence, was fined $5500 and was banned for 10 years from owning a pet. Credit: RSPCA New South Wales via Storyful
