Police officers in Milton Keynes have confirmed they rescued a dog after receiving a report of animal abuse.

The case happened yesterday (13/11), when officers for Thames Valley Police received a report from CCTV operators at The Centre MK stating that they could see a man on CCTV lift his dog in the air by its collar, drag it for approximately 10 meters and throw it to the ground before punching it over 10 times to the head and face.

Two officers from the police’s Central Milton Keynes Neighbourhood Policing Team reviewed the footage of a white and tan Staffordshire Bull Terrier type dog being assaulted, which they described as “hard to watch”.

The male, who was identified by police as a 42-year-old individual, was arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal contrary to Section 4(1) and Section 32(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 at around 12:45pm yesterday afternoon.

By 5:45pm, he had been interviewed, charged with the offence and remanded to appear at Milton Keynes Magistrates Court this morning (14/11). Thames Valley Police stated this came after a collective effort by the North Neighbourhood Policing Team.

In court, the male pled guilty to the offence and was bailed in order for a pre-sentence report to be prepared with the quoted condition, “Not to be in possession of any animal”. The male will next be appearing at Milton Keynes Magistrates Court on December 7th.

The police statement on social media continued, “Most importantly the dog was seized by Police, taken to the vets and given the kind of care and affection he deserves by the CMK NHPT, along with as many tasty snacks as possible! It is safe to say he will be missed by Officers and was a much loved temporary addition to the office. The dog will be cared for in kennels allowing a rehoming process to begin.”