Man, 50, who battered his XL Bully with a baseball bat and threw bricks at her walks unfastened from courtroom – and canine needed to be put down

An animal abuser who again and again hit his XL Bully with a baseball bat and threw bricks at her has controlled to stroll unfastened from courtroom with only a suspended jail sentence. 

James Campbell, a 50-year-old from Birkenhead, simply out of doors Liverpool, was once filmed chucking brocks and pans of water at 21-month-old canine Zeus, which he again and again abused within the again lawn of his house on Harrowby Road. 

A witness who equipped proof within the case, heard at Liverpool Magistrates Court, mentioned in addition they noticed Campbell grabbing the canine via its neck, headbutting and violently shouting at her. 

Following an investigation and prosecution via the RSPCA, he was once passed an eight-week jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, and a six-year ban on protecting animals, in addition to a £200 high quality. 

He admitted to violating the Animal Welfare act at a prior listening to. 

Liverpool Magistrates Court was once advised that Zeus was once got rid of from Campbell’s care on August 8 2024 following considerations that he was once abusing her. 

He advised police officers that his wrist was once injured after the canine had bitten him, and that he had acted in self defence towards the canine’s ‘irritating’ behaviour.

He had owned her for only a few months, and did not get an exemption certification to stay her, since she was once a banned breed. 

Liverpool Magistrates Court was once advised that Zeus was once got rid of from Campbell’s care on August 8 2024 following considerations that he was once abusing her

As a end result, she was once put down via a vet after he signed her over to government. 

A vet who seen photos of the incident advised the courtroom that vital swelling to the canine’s head indicated simply how onerous she was once hit. 

The vet mentioned: ‘Swelling of this dimension signifies the hit was once fairly robust. An affordable proprietor would have sought veterinary care when it comes to any accidents spotted at the canine’s frame. That lend a hand was once no longer equipped.

‘The proprietor admitted he threw bricks on the canine’s belly house. This may end up in interior bleeding, organ accidents and loss of life in excessive instances. Having reviewed the canine’s frame language, she is making an attempt to keep away from and get away the torment. 

‘This once more signifies she is being uncovered to a state of affairs she does no longer need to be in.

‘Dogs endure mentally whilst beating, those kind of eventualities are very hectic for them, particularly when they have got no secure house to flee to or cover.

‘Considering the video proof and witness statements it’s transparent that Zeus suffered repeated acts of bodily violence. 

‘These acts had been forceful and led to vital accidents. Any canine, particularly newly rehomed canine can behave in irritating techniques – that incorporates chewing items and ignoring homeowners instructions. 

‘That isn’t an excuse for beating. This kind of behaviour is unacceptable.’ 

Campbell advised RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes that he had hit the canine ‘3 or 4 occasions’ with a baseball bat in self defence. 

Though he denied headbutting her, he admitted that he could have thrown small bricks at her no less than two times.  

Speaking after the case Inspector Joynes mentioned: ‘Zeus was once subjected to violent and mindless abuse by the hands of Campbell on a lot of events. 

James Campbell, a 50-year-old from Birkenhead, simply out of doors Liverpool, was once filmed chucking brocks and pans of water at 21-month-old canine Zeus

The canine was once put down via a vet after he signed her over to government

Since December 2023, it’s been unlawful to promote, give away, abandon or breed XL Bullies

‘The witness mentioned they’d by no means noticed her behave aggressively, and the self-defence accidents Campbell claimed to have suffered simply did not upload up.

‘It’s heartbreaking that many canine like Zeus were and can be euthanised just because they’re thought to be to be unhealthy as a result of they give the impression of being a definite means.’

Since December 2023, it’s been unlawful to promote, give away, abandon or breed XL Bullies. 

It could also be unlawful to rehome or switch possession of the violent breed, and from February 2024 it’s been a felony offence to possess one with out an exemption certificates.