A man from Harrow has been banned from keeping dogs for ten years after a video doorbell camera filmed him hitting his pet dog, Nero, with a blunt instrument.
Footage shows Vasile Baltatu 32, of Hawkins Close, Harrow, chasing a brindle and white bull breed-type dog with a plastic shoe horn (pictured below) on December 8 last year.
Baltatu then repeatedly strikes the terrified pet with the instrument. The poor dog can be seen cowering under a vehicle and heard yelping in pain. Baltatu can be heard yelling, “I’ll get you tomorrow!” at poor Nero.
Baltatu pleaded guilty to an animal welfare offense when he appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on 18 August, following a successful investigation by the RSPCA. RSPCA inspector Mike Beaman visited Baltatu’s house on 5th January 2023 when he signed the dog over to the animal welfare charity.
On viewing the footage, a witness vet said: “There is nothing in the video to explain or legitimise this use of force against the dog from a veterinary perspective.
“The translated transcript of the video shows that the owner is using threats and expletives against the dog, and the phrase ‘I’ll get you tomorrow!’ makes me concerned that this dog would continue to face violence and harm had it stayed with the owner.
“It is clear from the transcript that the suffering he is inflicting is disproportionate and seems to be driven by malice. The brutality with which the man beats the dog means this is one of the more extreme and unpleasant pieces of evidence I have examined as an RSPCA witness.
“I have very grave concerns about this man’s ability to care for animals in the future.”
As well as the ban, Baltatu was sentenced to an 18-month community order, including 20 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) and 150 hours unpaid work, as well as being fined £500 in costs.
Following sentencing, RSPCA inspector Mike Beaman said: “The defendant’s behaviour towards his pet was totally unacceptable and disproportionate. Poor Nero couldn’t escape and was clearly terrified.
“We’re grateful to the person who contacted us with this footage so we could ensure Mr. Baltatu was held to account.”
Nero has made a full recovery and has been successfully rehomed by the RSPCA.
