MARK BROWN FROM GATESHEAD ABUSES DOG ROCCO WITH METAL LEAD IN SEAHAM

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Mark Brown, also known as Mark Defty, who is currently residing in Gateshead, was convicted in 2023 for a brutal attack on a defenseless dog named Rocco. Brown, born on December 14, 1999, originally hails from Seaham, County Durham, but has been identified as living in Gateshead, where the incident took place.

Brown, a man with a lengthy and troubling criminal record that includes previous convictions for domestic violence, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to Rocco, a brindle and white Staffordshire dog. The attack occurred on November 3, 2022, in the vicinity of Marion Court in Gateshead. The police responded to reports of animal abuse and subsequently arrested Brown, who was known to have no fixed address at the time.

During the investigation, a graphic 37-second video surfaced, capturing the horrifying moment Brown repeatedly struck Rocco on the head and back with the end of a metal lead. The footage revealed that Brown delivered eight blows within a span of ten seconds, with the dog visibly cowering and flinching with each strike. The dog was clearly terrified, attempting to retreat from his attacker, and showed signs of suffering emotional distress. Despite the severity of the attack, veterinary assessments confirmed that Rocco did not sustain any physical injuries, but the psychological trauma inflicted was undeniable.

An independent veterinary report highlighted the impact of the assault, stating, “His fear was likely to have been a repeated state on previous occasions when this person was with Rocco as he immediately submitted to his attacker and attempted to flee.” This suggests a pattern of abuse and ongoing trauma inflicted upon the dog.

Following the attack, police seized Rocco and entrusted him to the care of the RSPCA, where he remained throughout the legal proceedings. During the court hearing, the defense attempted to justify Brown’s actions by claiming that Rocco was “vicious” and that Brown had only hit him after the dog tried to attack him. However, the court did not accept this defense, and Brown was held accountable for his cruelty.

RSPCA Inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws condemned the attack, stating, “This was a vicious attack on a young defenceless animal who had been in Brown’s care. It is completely unacceptable to treat any animal in this way and we will always look into reports of animal cruelty and, where necessary, seek justice for that animal.”

As a result of his conviction, Brown received an 18-month community order, which includes 30 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, he was disqualified from keeping dogs for a period of ten years, although he has the right to contest this ban after five years, which would be in March 2033. Rocco, the victim of this heinous act, is now seeking a new home with a caring owner who can provide him with the love and security he was denied.

This case underscores the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and the importance of vigilant law enforcement and animal welfare organizations in protecting vulnerable animals from abuse.