Man seen kicking, punching and choking elderly dog banned from keeping animals

A man who caused “suffering” to an elderly dog in the last months of its life has been banned from keeping animals for five years.

Grzegorz Bieniek was found guilty of repeatedly striking a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Taz on the body with a closed fist.

Bieniek, from Glasgow, was also convicted of kicking the 13-year-old dog, pushing his head against a brick wall with his knee and suspending him by the neck with a lead, causing further fear and distress.

He was reported to the SSPCA in October 2023 after members of the public saw him punching Taz on the street.

SSPCA Inspector Boyce said: “He repeatedly punched the dog on the back area of its body.

“He then suspended the dog by pulling him upwards from the ground by the lead, which was attached to his collar.”

Taz was elevated so high that his front feet were raised, and he was swinging.

The witnesses contacted the animal helpline to report what they had seen, and the SSPCA attended the same day.

Inspectors attended Bieniek’s property and described Taz as an elderly dog that was slow in movement, which was suspected to be due to arthritic, age-related stiffness.

“The dog was in good body condition. There were no obvious injuries or wounds,” Mr Boyce said.

Bieniek told officers he was not the owner, but the dog had been in his care for four months.

During the visit, officers described Taz’s body language as “fearful.” They said he had his tail tucked between his legs and shook when Bieniek spoke.

“These signs suggest he was anxious and distressed, likely feeling threatened or uncomfortable,” Mr Boyce added.

The inspectors asked Bieniek if he had hit the dog, which he denied before becoming “defensive and aggressive”.

“Due to concerns for the dog’s safety, we contacted Police Scotland to request assistance at the property to seize the dog,” Mr Boyce said.

Officers had to carry Taz down the stairs due to the difficulties arising from stiffness in the rear hips.

“We had serious concerns regarding the treatment of Taz. Our observations of Taz’s fearful body language, along with Bieniek’s defensive behaviour, raise red flags about the dog’s welfare,” Mr Boyce said.

During his sentencing at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday, Bieniek was handed a five-year disqualification order and a four-month restriction liberty order.

Mr Boyce said the team was pleased with the result and thanked the witnesses for helping.

SSPCA said Taz remained in their care for several months but was put down on “welfare grounds” after scans revealed he had severe hip dysplasia that was untreatable and was deteriorating.

“Taz was in our care for several months, and it was evident that he was in a great deal of pain and suffering with severe and worsening arthritis,” Mr Boyce added.

“He was caused suffering for the last four months of his life, and Bieniek should be held accountable.”