CONCERNS have been raised after a man was reportedly seen striking his dog while out on a walk – with residents calling for him to be banned from owning animals.
Colchester homeowners have enlisted the help of RSPCA workers after claims a dog owner hit his pooch with what appeared to be a plastic tennis ball launcher.
The shocking moment was captured on CCTV, footage from which has since been circulated on social media along with videos showing a witness confronting the man.
Resident and loving dog owner Lisa Joanne Nicholson, 47, says her daughter and her boyfriend saw the moment the dog was struck.
She said: “It’s absolutely awful and was heart-breaking to see. I have a rescue dog and I could never imagine treating her that way - she’s my world.
“I think the dog should be removed and he should be banned from keeping any animals in future – the dog was clearly terrified.
“The RSPCA went out to him and gave him a warning but are said to be keeping the case open so I am still trying to raise awareness.”
The RSPCA is understood to be investigating the incident and have now urged anyone with any information or worries to contact them as soon as possible.
A spokesman said: “Unfortunately, we are unable to discuss complaints about specific people and what action may have been taken.
“We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare.
“A lot of the time issues will be dealt with by advice and education and it is not always appropriate to publicise this information for legal reasons.
“Anyone with animal welfare concerns should contact the RSPCA helpline on 0300 1234 999.”
Last year a man from Clacton was banned from keeping dogs for five years, following a prosecution by the RSPCA.
Ronnie Calver, 34, of Berkley Road, had been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a cross- breed dog known as Marley.
He had failed to investigate and address the cause of the dog’s lameness and the hard mass affecting its pelvic area.
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