CONVICTED (2023) | sheepdog trainer Darren Tillotson, born October 1987, of Hacking Caravan Park, Elker Lane, Billington, Clitheroe BB7 9HZ – grabbed a small dog by the neck and repeatedly hit her on the head. Tillotson, previously of Burnley Road, Weir, Bacup, was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a Jack Russell terrier by inflicting blunt force trauma. On December 1, 2022, a report was made to the RSPCA which showed a man beating a dog on CCTV, in the vicinity of Gaghills Mill, in Gaghills Road, Waterfoot. The attack took place on October 6, 2022. Tillotson was charged with caused unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, namely two terrier type female dogs called Lily and Maggie. RSPCA inspector Vicki McDonald, who investigated, said: “I viewed the footage [which showed] a male stopping a vehicle and getting out. “He then proceeded to the back of the vehicle where he opened what appeared to be an internal kennel door. “I saw the male violently grab a small dog by the neck area and administer in the region of 10 forceful blows with his hand or fist to the dog’s head. “The male then took a small tan and white Jack Russell type dog from the rear of the vehicle and handed it to a person in the front passenger seat. “The male clearly appeared angry and aggressive.” Enquiries traced the vehicle to Tillotson. After gaining a warrant, inspector McDonald and a police officer attended the farm where Tillotson worked. The court heard that he was interviewed by inspector McDonald, and said in the interview that the dog belonged to his partner. Prior to the incident, the dog had started fighting with another dog in the vehicle and he stopped the car to let them know they were “in the wrong”. An expert vet who viewed the footage said in a statement presented to court: “In my opinion the dog was caused to suffer as a consequence of being subjected to physical abuse. “Suffering will have been experienced via mechanisms of pain, fear and distress for a period of at least several seconds, probably longer.” Following the sentencing, inspector McDonald said: “We are thankful to the members of the public who contacted us about this incident. “Aggressive behaviour and violence towards dogs will not be tolerated.” The dog was returned to his partner on the understanding that they were no longer in a relationship and he would have no responsibility for their care. Tillotson pleaded guilty to the offence at court in April 2023. Sentencing | 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work; victim surcharge of £114. Lancaster Telegraph LancsLive