James Marchant: Man banned from keeping animals by RSPCA after being filmed throwing malnourished dog over 6ft gate in Bristol

A man has been banned from keeping animals after an underweight dog was filmed being thrown over a 6ft garden gate.

The RSPCA said James Marchant, 42, was caught on camera by neighbors in Bristol last September grabbing the terrier by the neck and throwing it over his wooden door.

Neighbors who saw the incident immediately called the police, shouting “stop”.

Marchant was later arrested and prosecuted by the animal welfare charity.

Bristol Magistrates’ Court heard the dog, named Boomer, would endure pain and anxiety as a result of the incident.

The vet also found that Boomer was underweight and malnourished with very little fat coverage.

Marchant, of Privet Drive, Hartcliffe, Bristol, pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences, one for throwing Boomer over the fence and the other for failing to meet his requirements for proper nutrition.

He was banned from keeping animals for 10 years and ordered to pay £400 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

Co-accused Clair Malik, 43, also of Privet Drive, Hartcliffe, Bristol, pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to meet Boomer’s needs in relation to his weight.

He was banned from owning a dog for five years, fined £120 and ordered to pay £400 costs and a £40 victim surcharge.

RSPCA Inspector Kim Walters, who investigated for the charity, said: “Animals feel pain and suffering just like us and deserve to be shown kindness and compassion at all times.

“We are grateful to everyone who spoke on behalf of the animals and to our neighbors who reported what they witnessed.

“We will always investigate reports of animal suffering and welcome the public to be our eyes and ears and report their concerns to us.”