WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT: Wigan man banned from keeping animals after brutal attack on pet dog

Matthew Hurst, 23, of Bryn Street, Ince, was caught on video brutally attacking the bull breed-type dog named Congo.

He hit the dog in several parts of his body 21 times, including stamping on him 15 times “with great force”, and “slammed” him into the floor.

When RSPCA officers were given the video footage by a member of the public in April 2022, they were shocked by what they saw.

RSPCA inspector Ryan King said: “The video showed a man sitting on a sofa, watching a black bull breed dog either urinating or defecating on the floor. The man then stands up and proceeds to stamp on the dog with his foot around 15 times with great force, shouting ‘what are you doing’.

“He then reaches down to the dog, which is now lying on the floor, grabs it by the head and slams the dog onto the floor again with great force several times.

“This is the worst beating I have ever seen during my three years as an RSPCA inspector.”

Congo was taken to the RSPCA’s animal hospital to be examined and no physical injuries were found.

The vet watched the video and reported that Congo showed fear and distress, and would have suffered pain from 21 blows to his abdomen, chest and head.

The vet concluded Congo was suffered physical abuse and the person responsible for his welfare – Hurst – had failed to protect him from injury, pain and suffering.

Hurst pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Congo when he appeared before Wigan magistrates in October.

He has now been sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years.

Hurst must also do 20 days of rehabilitation activities and 120 hours of unpaid work, as well as pay £2,558 costs and a £120 victim surcharge.

Congo was signed over to the RSPCA by Hurst and will be rehomed.