JONNY SHARPLES FROM BEDWORTH CAUGHT ON CAMERA BEATING DOG WITH BASEBALL BAT IN WARWICKSHIRE
In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Jonny Sharples, a backyard breeder residing in Bedworth, Warwickshire, was recorded on video viciously assaulting one of his dogs with a baseball bat.The incident took place at his residence on Mavor Drive, where the footage captured Sharples repeatedly striking a Presa Canario named Pablo after separating him from another dog within his kennels.
The investigation revealed that Sharples had also neglected to seek veterinary treatment for a painful cruciate ligament injury suffered by another dog, a bull breed named Santorini.
This injury caused her to limp in her right hind leg, yet no medical attention was provided.
The footage shows a large brindle-patterned dog, presumably Santorini, latched onto another dog through the bars of the kennels, indicating a potentially dangerous altercation.
During the recorded incident, two women can be heard shouting and calling out in distress, clearly upset by the situation.
They are soon joined by two men, including Sharples, who intervene by using a plank of wood and a baseball bat to separate the dogs.
Despite the separation, the video shows Sharples continuing to strike Pablo multiple times, even after the dog had moved away from the other animal.
The footage was handed over to the local authority’s animal warden licensing inspector, who then contacted the RSPCA for further action.
A copy of the video was also shared with the police dog legislation officer, leading to a warrant being issued and the seizure of the dogs from Sharples’ care.
In court, Jonny Sharples admitted to charges of animal cruelty and neglect.
RSPCA Inspector Herchy Boal condemned his actions, stating, “Sharples inflicted unnecessary suffering by repeatedly and violently hitting his dog with the baseball bat long after the two dogs had been separated.
There is never an excuse for treating an animal in this way.” Inspector Boal expressed gratitude to the police dog legislation officer Craig Leach and the local authority’s animal warden licensing inspector Louisa Cullen for their support during the investigation, which ultimately ensured the safety of Sharples’ dogs.
She also highlighted that Santorini, who had suffered the untreated cruciate injury, is now fully recovered after receiving appropriate veterinary care.
Boal emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership, stating, “It’s essential animal owners make sure they always receive care and treatment from veterinary experts when they need it.
They are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and that they are kept safe and healthy.” As a result of his actions, Sharples was sentenced to a two-year community order, which includes 200 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.
Additionally, he was banned from keeping dogs for four years, with the ban set to expire in November 2027.
