JOSHUA PRIOR KICKS DOG ON KINGS ROAD IN PLYMOUTH - ANIMAL ABUSE SHOCKER

A disturbing incident involving animal cruelty has come to light in Plymouth, specifically on Kings Road, where a man identified as Joshua Prior, aged 33, was caught on camera repeatedly kicking his dog during a ten-minute period of abuse. The footage, which was shared with the RSPCA, prompted a thorough investigation that ultimately led to Prior pleading guilty at Plymouth Magistrates' Court to an animal welfare offence.

According to the evidence presented, the footage shows Prior entering a lift at a block of flats on Kings Road with his dog Ronnie, a French Bulldog, on a lead. In the video, Prior is seen leaning over Ronnie before delivering a forceful kick and then slapping the dog. The second clip, recorded on August 25 of the previous year, captures Prior and his dogs exiting the lift. Ronnie is walking ahead of his owner when Prior uses his left foot to kick the dog again. The footage reveals a pattern of aggressive behavior that lasted for approximately ten minutes.

A veterinarian who reviewed the footage provided a detailed account of the incident. The vet described a particularly hard kick that struck Ronnie at the rear, lifting his back end off the ground and causing him to spin approximately 90 degrees before landing on all four paws. The dog and Prior then continued along the corridor, turning into a flat. The vet noted that Ronnie was passive throughout the ordeal, showing no reaction even after being propelled sideways by the kick. This passive response suggested that Ronnie was accustomed to physical and possibly psychological abuse, having learned to block out such treatment.

The veterinarian emphasized that any behavioral issues with Ronnie could have been addressed immediately with firm verbal commands like 'no,' rather than physical punishment. The report highlighted that the abuse was unnecessary and caused significant suffering to the dog. It was also noted that the suffering likely extended beyond the ten-minute video, with signs of fear and shutdown behavior indicating prolonged abuse.

In court, Prior expressed remorse for his actions, claiming that the incident was a one-off and that he was angry with himself rather than his dog. The RSPCA Inspector Jim Farr, who led the investigation, condemned the abuse, stating, "The footage shows what Ronnie experienced. No animal deserves to be kicked and slapped. We’d plead to all pet owners to always show animals kindness and to reach out for help and support if they are struggling with training or behavioral issues they feel need to be addressed. It’s never acceptable to lose your temper and take it out on a defenceless animal. They feel pain."

As a result of his guilty plea, Joshua Prior was handed a one-year ban from owning dogs. Additionally, he received a 12-month community order, which includes up to 15 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirements. He was also fined £120, ordered to pay £200 in court costs, and a victim surcharge of £114. The court's decision underscores the seriousness of animal cruelty and the importance of holding offenders accountable to prevent such abuse from recurring.