Man banned from owning pets after kicking and tormenting a scared dog with a hammer

A brazen man has been banned from owning pets after tormenting his pet dog with a hammer.

The unnamed man, 35, plead guilty to five animal cruelty offences after footage emerged from a witness showing his careless violence against the defenceless animal.

The footage was shot in Sydney's lower north shore in Australia, and showed the defendant, who is from Greenwich, using a hammer to threaten and prod his 10-month-old Dobermann named Ohlins, the RSPCA said.

The video also showed the man throwing the dog to the ground and lifting him up by the collar, and confining him to an inadequately sized crate.

A vet who examined the footage said Ohlins was subject to "unjustifiable" torture and torment as well as physical and psychological abuse.

The RSPCA said the dog’s repeated attempts to escape show how terrified it was.

Video footage showed the defendant kicking Ohlins on multiple occasions, threatening and prodding the dog with a hammer, lifting him by his collar, throwing him to the ground and confining him to an inadequately sized crate (RSPCA NSW)

When RSPCA officials first visited the man's house on July 7, he denied allegations of cruelty.

“The defendant was asked to produce the hammer used to threaten Ohlins, which was kept inside the dog’s enclosure in the backyard,” the animal charity added.

“When the defendant walked inside the mesh cage to retrieve the tool, Ohlins cowered and scurried away in fear.”

RSPCA then seized the dog and, alongside a five-year pet ownership ban, the defendant was sentenced by Parramatta Court on August 30 to three Community Correction Orders, which will be served concurrently.

The dog was threatened and prodded with the hammer (RSPCA NSW)

He was also ordered to pay RSPCA New South Wales over £2,620 in animal care costs.

The repeated and deliberate nature of the offences was considered when the magistrate refused to divert him into treatment under the mental health act.

After the sentencing, RSPCA NSW chief inspector Scott Meyers said all animals should be allowed “to live in a safe and loving environment”.

“We are incredibly grateful for the vigilant witnesses who came forward and reported this case,” he added.

“This investigation highlights the powerful role that the community plays in helping end the suffering of animals and is a timely reminder to always trust your instinct and come forward if you witness suspicious behaviour.”