JOSH PRIOR CONVICTED IN PLYMOUTH FOR ANIMAL ABUSE INVOLVING A FRENCH BULLDOG

Josh Prior, born around 1991 and residing at Flat 18, 102 King Street, Plymouth PL1 5JA, was convicted in 2025 for repeatedly kicking a French bulldog during a ten-minute incident. Prior pleaded guilty to an animal welfare offence after an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA, which was prompted by the sharing of two video clips with the charity.

One footage shows Prior entering a lift at a block of flats with his dog Ronnie and another dog. The video captures him leaning over Ronnie, then kicking him and slapping him. The second clip, recorded on August 25, 2024, shows Prior exiting the lift with his dogs, with Ronnie walking ahead of his owner. In this footage, Prior uses his left foot to kick Ronnie.

A veterinarian who reviewed the footage commented: “This was a hard kick which landed at the rear aspect of the dog, lifted his back end off the ground and propelled him anticlockwise through 90 degrees before he landed on all four feet. The man and dog then turned to the right and continued along the corridor, then they turned left into a flat. At this stage, the dog was kicked by the man’s left foot again.”

The vet explained that Prior's anger may have been due to an earlier altercation outside, but emphasized that addressing behavioural issues such as using a firm ‘no’ should be immediate and not involve physical reprimand. The vet observed that Ronnie was passive throughout the abuse and did not react even after being propelled sideways by the kick.

In their report, the veterinarian noted: “Were this the first time that he had been kicked, you would expect the dog to jump, look around, bark, or even snap at his attacker. Instead, he does nothing. This strongly indicates that he was accustomed to physical and probably psychological abuse and had learned to suppress his reactions.

“It is my professional opinion that this dog suffered unnecessary pain and suffering. The abuse lasted for ten minutes during the footage, but bruising and fear likely persisted much longer. It’s probable that this abuse was ongoing, as suggested by the dog’s shutting-down behaviour.”

During court proceedings, it was stated that Prior was very remorseful, and that the incident was a one-off act driven by his own frustration rather than malice towards his dog.

RSPCA Inspector Jim Farr, who led the investigation, commented: “The footage shows what Ronnie experienced. No animal deserves to be kicked or slapped. We urge all pet owners to treat animals with kindness and seek help if they face training or behavioural challenges. Losing your temper and harming a helpless animal is never acceptable. Animals feel pain.”

In sentencing, Prior received a 12-month community order, including up to 15 days of rehabilitation activity, a fine of £120, court costs of £200, and a victim surcharge of £114. Additionally, he was handed a one-year ban from owning animals, which expires in May 2026.