Welsh police officers rapped over dog abuse

Two Welsh police officers were banned from keeping animals for five years today after admitting abusing their two dogs.

A neighbour captured Craig Macleod, (aged 34), and Anja Mason, (aged 29), on film, kicking, hitting and violently yanking the pets from the ground at their home in Prestatyn.

Thirteen incidents were put to the couple after the outraged neighbour bought a video camera and filmed 240 hours’ footage of them outside with their pets, Tess, a collie pup, and Snoopy, a “submissive” rottweiler.

Glen Murphy, prosecuting for the RSPCA, told Denbigh Magistrates’ Court in North Wales: “It appeared to the RSPCA there was no reasonable cause for the level of chastisement being given – the force was excessive and unacceptable.

“In modern times it is considered totally unacceptable to use violence to train any animal."

Both defendants, who have been removed from front line policing duties, said they really loved their dogs.

North Wales Police are conducting an internal investigation, said a spokesman.