Brothers filmed throwing pet bulldog down the stairs spared jail
RSPCA releases footage showing pair laughing and joking while cruelly abusing animal in ‘distressing’ video
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Brothers Andrew, 22, and Daniel Frankish, 19, have avoided jail time despite a “distressing” video showing them torturing their pet bulldog.
The footage shows the men abusing the animal - called Baby – by jumping, head butting, stamping and throwing it repeatedly down wooden stairs – all in the name of fun.
Gemma Lynch, from the RSPCA, which released the footage, said: “Everyone who has seen the video says it’s the most distressing thing they’ve ever seen. These are people who have seen a lot of horrible things.”
The harrowing incidents, which took place in October 2013, only came to light because an SD card containing the footage was found on a supermarket floor.
"Baby, who was a family pet, was put to sleep around three months after the video was recorded after losing the use of her back legs,” said Ms Lynch.
“What happened to her will stay with me, and all of us who worked on this case, forever.”
The video, filmed by the younger man, shows his brother stamping on the dogs neck and slamming her to the ground while “laughing hysterically”.
“He is clearly enjoying himself - he’s laughing and smiling. The whole horrible ordeal seems to be for his and the younger man’s entertainment, for fun,” said Ms Lynch.
The two men from Redcar pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Baby by subjecting her to violence at Hartlepool Crown Court.
The pair received a 21 week prison sentence, suspended for two years, and six months tagged curfew between 8pm and 6am. They also received a lifetime ban from keeping animals, Gazette Live reports.
A petition started six days ago by Alex Richardson-Lee calling for stronger sentences for the two men has received more than 157,000 signatures.
It says a lot have people have been “riled” by the “inadequate punishment for such disgusting and cruel actions”, and has received celebrity endorsements from the likes of Cher Loyd, Sam Underwood and Dominic Barrow.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments