DOG OWNER POSTED TIKTOKS OF PETS MAULING BADGERS AND FOX
An owner of dogs uploaded disturbing videos on social media showing his pets attacking badgers and a fox, and sent messages boasting about the violence, without trying to stop them.A member of an animal welfare charity saw these videos and alerted authorities, including the police and RSPCA.
Mason Paines, 24 from Barry, posted clips on TikTok of two of his dogs a grey Bedlington Patterdale terrier called Fern and a white Patterdale terrier named Doris engaging in savage attacks on wildlife in wooded areas.
On November 11, 2023, someone from the Naturewatch Foundation came across these videos, which depicted illegal hunting and cruelty.
The case was brought before Cardiff Crown Court, which heard that police and RSPCA officials executed a warrant at Paines’ home on October 29 of the previous year.
During questioning, Paines admitted to an officer that he was aware his dogs had caught badgers on occasion and that he couldn't intervene every time.
His dogs and mobile phone were confiscated.
He explained that he took his dogs out at night specifically to hunt rats and rabbits, and one incident involved catching a badger and a fox, which he claimed was beyond his control.
He said he recorded these events out of shock and avoided stopping the attacks to prevent harm to himself.
Investigators found numerous videos on his phone showing fights between his dogs and badgers.
WhatsApp messages between Paines and his father also revealed communication about a badger being attacked and suffering.
One message read: “I'm gutted I missed that.” Paines, who resides on Pendoylan Close, admitted to six counts of causing animals to fight, five counts of maliciously injuring a badger, and one of hunting with dogs.
He has no prior criminal record apart from a caution for battery but was of good character overall.
In court, lawyer Zoe Laugharne described his background, citing childhood difficulties and mental health struggles, including stress and anxiety.
She argued he has opportunities for rehabilitation.
Judge Lucy Crowther sentenced him to ten months in prison and prohibited him from owning dogs for ten years.
The animals involved were surrendered to the RSPCA.
