Doorbell Camera Evidence Leads to Animal Ban
A teenager from the Midlands has been banned from keeping animals for ten years after shocking doorbell camera footage captured him mistreating two dogs.
Joshua Evans, 19, of Slade Close in West Bromwich, was seen violently hitting, throwing, and aggressively handling two Cane Corso type dogs in the footage that formed crucial evidence in the case.
Severe Neglect and Physical Abuse
The court heard how Evans left a female dog called Bella suffering from untreated bilateral cherry eye, a painful condition affecting both eyes. Both Bella and a second dog named Buster were found to be significantly underweight when examined by RSPCA officers.
A veterinary report presented to Birmingham Magistrates' Court stated both dogs showed clear signs of mental distress and physical suffering. The vet noted: "The dogs are not protected from pain and would have suffered through the mechanism of pain with the action of hitting, striking with a foot, and hitting onto a gate."
The report detailed how holding the dogs by their collars would have compressed vital neck structures, causing breathing difficulties. The vet concluded the animals had suffered both acute physical pain and significant psychological distress through fear.
Sentencing and Consequences
Evans pleaded guilty to five animal welfare offences on October 21 at Birmingham Magistrates' Court following an RSPCA investigation and prosecution.
Alongside the decade-long animal ban, which he cannot appeal for seven years, Evans received a two-year community order with 200 hours of unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
He was also ordered to pay £400 in costs plus a £114 victim surcharge. In mitigation, the court heard Evans expressed remorse for his behaviour, which occurred while he was drinking and facing mental health challenges.
RSPCA Inspector Graeme Brookes, who led the investigation, emphasised: "Dogs feel pain and suffering just like we do and always deserve to be shown kindness and compassion at all times."
