MICHAL KULESZA'S BRUTAL ANIMAL ABUSE IN AVIEMORE SHOCKS COMMUNITY

Michal Kulesza, born on October 14, 1976, who was previously residing in Bristol but has since moved to Aviemore, has been convicted of a disturbing case of animal cruelty involving two small dogs. Over a span of two days, Kulesza subjected the dogs to relentless physical abuse, including punching and kicking, actions that caused the animals significant pain and distress.

The RSPCA obtained and reviewed 25 video recordings that captured Kulesza's violent treatment of the dogs, named Sonia and Rocky, both of which are Jack Russells. The footage clearly shows the dogs yelping and screaming in agony as they are repeatedly struck. Initially, the dogs belonged to Kulesza's landlord, who was unaware of the abuse until the evidence came to light.

During court proceedings, RSPCA solicitor Lindi Meyer explained that Kulesza was a newcomer to the landlord’s property and had no prior known issues. However, soon after moving in, the landlord noticed a change in the dogs’ behavior. The animals appeared increasingly nervous and fearful around Kulesza. Concerned, the landlord installed CCTV cameras in the kitchen and living room to monitor the situation and informed Kulesza of this surveillance.

On March 29, the landlord reviewed the footage and discovered Kulesza violently abusing the dogs on multiple occasions, with particular focus on Rocky. Inspector Dan Hatfield of the RSPCA was shown two segments of the CCTV footage, which depicted Kulesza repeatedly punching Rocky, causing the dog to yelp and scream in pain. One specific scene shows Rocky lying in his bed next to a fridge, when Kulesza is heard raising his voice as Rocky enters and jumps onto his bed. Kulesza then kneels in front of Rocky, raises his arm with a clenched fist, and strikes the dog with considerable force four times. He then changes his swing and delivers an additional seven punches, each eliciting yelps from Rocky.

Further footage reveals Kulesza kicking Rocky and aggressively pulling the dogs’ bed from beneath them. Multiple clips also show the dogs yelping, screaming, and being struck repeatedly, with no evidence of any misbehavior on their part. The violence appears to be unprovoked and driven by Kulesza’s own actions.

In police interviews, Kulesza admitted guilt to two animal welfare offences. He expressed that he could not justify or explain his actions, describing himself as being in a state of rage and heightened anxiety at the time. He also revealed that he was grieving the loss of his girlfriend, who had died in a car accident five years earlier in his homeland.

Solicitor Lindi Meyer emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “This was a particularly nasty case in which two helpless dogs were needlessly physically and mentally abused. The suffering inflicted was blatantly unnecessary and could have been avoided. Rocky endured repeated episodes of acute pain, including a particularly painful tail pull injury. The dogs also suffered from persistent stress and anxiety due to the physical violence and verbal abuse they endured.”

As a result of his actions, Kulesza was sentenced to 42 weeks in jail, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work, participate in 30 days of rehabilitation activities, pay costs and charges amounting to £328, and was banned from keeping any animals for a period of ten years. The case has garnered significant attention from local and national news outlets, including the Daily Record, BBC News, and Bristol Live, highlighting the seriousness of animal cruelty and the importance of vigilant community oversight.