RSPCA issue appeal over man who kicked dog's face like 'a football'

The RSPCA in England has appealed for help in tracing a dog owner who was caught on CCTV booting his dog in the face like “a football”.

The shocking incident happened outside the Navy Club, Northgate, Darlington, at around 1.30pm yesterday.

The powerfully-built man could be seen walking his dog on a lead and getting into brief conversation.

When it was over, the dog seemed to dig in its heels, and the owner dragged it by the lead then landed a vicious blow to its head with his foot. He then yanked the chain again to make the dog move.

RSPCA inspector Clare Wilson said the man was seen beating the dog up to six times, which was not caught on the CCTV.

She said: “The footage shows the man going to walk off, but the dog doesn’t appear to want to follow him.

“He tries to drag the dog, but then turns and kicks the poor animal right under the chin, just like you’d kick a football.

“A witness said they saw the man beat the dog five or six times, which isn’t seen on the footage. She said she even heard a crunching noise as he beat the dog.

“It is hard to see any details of what the man looks like, but he was apparently wearing a white t-shirt, a body warmer, navy jogging bottoms with white stripes and trainers.

“The dog looks either like a mastiff or a big bull breed and is a tan colour.

“It is an absolutely shocking incident and I’m urging anyone who knows anything about who the man or the dog are to call me as soon as possible.”

The man walked away up Northgate and past a BP filling station on North Road, where he was again spotted on CCTV with the dog.

Anyone with information can leave a message for inspector Clare Wilson by calling the RSPCA appeals line in England on 0300 123 8018.