GRAHAM NASH AND PAUL CASSELL FROM BRAINTREE SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG PANDA

Graham Nash, born on October 15, 1981, residing at 2 Penn Mews, Braintree, and Paul Cassell, born on December 23, 1964, of 7 Warrenside, Braintree, were both involved in a disturbing incident that drew significant attention from animal welfare authorities. The incident, captured on camera, depicted the two men engaging in acts of cruelty towards a friendly dog named Panda, a cross between a bull mastiff and a boxer.

According to reports, Nash, who is known as a prolific backyard breeder, and Cassell were filmed during an altercation outside an address in Braintree. The footage showed Cassell approaching Panda as the dog was walking towards a parked car. Without warning, Cassell kicked Panda directly in the face, an act that was both shocking and unacceptable. Nash, who was the dog's owner, then emerged from the house shouting in distress. He proceeded to kick Panda in the rear and then swung him by his front paw towards the house, causing further distress and potential injury to the animal.

The RSPCA, along with local police, responded promptly to the scene. They attended the location and took Panda into their care. The dog was subsequently placed in a safe environment where he is now recovering well. A veterinarian who examined footage of the incident described Panda’s initial body language as one of fear, noting that the dog had his ears back, tail tucked between his legs, and his back arched — all signs of distress and submission.

Graham Nash was also pictured with Panda and another dog named Lady, whose current fate remains unknown. The RSPCA inspector Jessica Dayes, who led the investigation, expressed her concern about the footage. She stated, “The footage was extremely concerning. The dog appeared in the video fearful, and the vet report stated this was an unacceptable way to discipline or train a dog and would have caused unnecessary suffering.”

In court, both Nash and Cassell admitted to causing unnecessary mental or physical suffering to the animal. The sentencing reflected the severity of their actions. Cassell received an 18-month community order, which includes 25 days of rehabilitation and an eight-week curfew. He was also ordered to pay £695 in costs and charges and was disqualified from keeping dogs for three years.

Graham Nash, identified as a backyard breeder, was sentenced to 30 days of rehabilitation and 150 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £695 in costs and charges and disqualified from keeping dogs for three years. These bans are set to expire in November 2023, after which he may potentially regain his ability to keep animals.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about animal cruelty and the importance of enforcement and education to prevent such incidents from recurring in communities like Braintree.