BISHOPSWORTH, BRISTOL: JAMES MARCHANT AND YVONNE MALIK
The RSPCA initiated an inquiry after a neighbor recorded footage of James Marchant grabbing his dog, Boomer, by the neck, dragging him across the yard, and then tossing him over a gate onto a hard surface.The neighbors, who were filming, shouted at him to stop.
Law enforcement was notified, leading to Marchant's arrest.
A veterinarian who reviewed the video testified in court that Boomer likely experienced pain and distress while being held by the neck, as well as immediate pain from the fall.
The vet also stated, “The callous manner in which he threw Boomer over the fence, compounded by the failure to have him then checked by a vet, illustrates that he failed in his duty to protect him from pain, suffering, injury and disease.” During examination, Boomer was found to be underweight, weighing only 2kg (4.4lb).
He gained weight while in the care of the RSPCA and was adopted out by the charity a month later.
Marchant admitted to two animal welfare violations: throwing Boomer over the fence and neglecting his dietary needs.
