Somerset man banned from keeping animals for seven years

Kearon James Hood, 25, formerly of Henson Park in Chard and now living on Leighton Terrace in Evercreech, pleaded guilty to multiple animal welfare offences in relation to two dogs following an investigation by the RSPCA.

The offences involved two dogs named Peter and Nova, who were subjected to distressing treatment at the hands of their owner.

Concerns about Hood’s behaviour were first raised in relation to a boxer named Peter, who was allegedly dragged by the collar, causing him to urinate out of fear.

A veterinarian who analysed noise recordings from Hood’s home said: "While no direct physical abuse was seen, crashing noises, prolonged banging, and yelping were clearly heard multiple times per week, including alarm barks from Peter and fear urination, which are consistent with a distressed and potentially mishandled animal.

"Such treatment can result in bruising, soft tissue damage, or fear-based behavioural disorders, particularly if the crate is kicked or struck while the dog is inside."

Further complaints were later made about Hood’s treatment of a husky-type dog named Nova.

The most serious incident involved Hood being witnessed slapping and punching the dog, causing Nova to yelp and cower in fear.

Additional evidence was shared with the RSPCA, which led to Nova being seized.

During a court hearing, Hood said he had stopped working as a scaffolder after the birth of his second child and subsequently took his frustration out on the dog due to financial pressures.

He expressed remorse and accepted full responsibility for his actions.

Hood was handed a seven-year ban from keeping animals, which he cannot appeal for five years.

He was also sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work and 25 days of rehabilitation activity requirements.

He was ordered to pay £400 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

RSPCA inspector Jo Daniel said: "Hood denied any wrongdoing throughout the investigation so I am pleased that he has now taken responsibility for his behaviour.

"Intentionally causing an animal to be fearful of you through aggressive actions is wholly unacceptable and causing suffering to an animal by deliberately punching and slapping is a criminal offence.

"We are committed to bringing people who treat their animals this way to justice and preventing them having responsibility for animals in the future.

"We now look forward to finding Nova the caring, loving owners he deserves."

Nova has been in the care of the RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre since being rescued and was formally signed over to the charity for rehoming.

Hood had already rehomed Peter prior to the RSPCA’s intervention.

However, officers were able to locate Peter and confirm his welfare.