Ban for Darlington man filmed kicking and dragging elderly dog

A Darlington man has been banned from keeping dogs after he was filmed repeatedly kicking and dragging his elderly Patterdale terrier.

David Allan Young, of Longfield Road, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act following prosecution by the RSPCA.

The 61-year-old was filmed repeatedly kicking his 19-year-old Patterdale terrier, Milo, pulling him by the collar and shouting at him between February and June last year.

David Allan Young has been banned from keeping dogs for two years after being caught repeatedly kicking and dragging his elderly dog, Milo. (Image: RSPCA)

The disturbing footage was handed to the RSPCA by a concerned member of the public.

Young was seen kicking Milo in the back and tail, kicking him again in the back leg, then kicking him twice more before dragging him by the collar.

On June 11, Inspector Wilson attended Young's home alongside police officers and removed Milo and another dog so they could be examined by a vet.

Milo (Image: RSPCA)

Peterlee Magistrates' Court heard Milo was so stiff and reluctant to walk that he had to be carried into the veterinary practice.

Examinations revealed the elderly dog was suffering from a number of health conditions, including arthritis, cataracts, dental disease and growths on his abdomen and testicle. He was also blind.

Veterinary records showed Milo was diagnosed with dental disease in 2023, but there was no evidence Young sought treatment for him.

The vet concluded in a statement to the court that Milo had been the victim of non-accidental injury.

David Allan Young has been banned from keeping dogs for two years after being caught repeatedly kicking and dragging his elderly dog, Milo. (Image: RSPCA)

The vet said Young had tried to hurt Milo several times by “hitting and kicking” him and pulling him by the neck without supporting his body.

She added: "There was no reasonable explanation for these outbursts visible within the video footage.

"[Milo] will have suffered momentarily during the hitting, kicking and shouting episodes, however the emotional impact may have a life-long effect."

The court was also told Milo had cancer.

Because of Milo’s age and multiple health problems, a vet decided euthanasia was the kindest option after a three-week appeal period following sentencing.

Milo (Image: RSPCA)

On Wednesday, September 16, Young was banned from keeping dogs for two years.

A deprivation order was also made in relation to his second dog, which was not subject to the charges and will now be rehomed by the RSPCA.

Young was fined £220 and ordered to pay £300 in costs and an £88 victim surcharge.

The court heard in mitigation that Young had mental health difficulties, and expressed remorse for the way he had treated Milo.

Inspector Clare Wilson said: “Milo was an elderly and vulnerable dog who should have been able to spend his final years feeling safe and cared for.

“The footage showed a deeply concerning pattern of behaviour towards him, with Milo being kicked and dragged by his collar on multiple occasions.

“He was also suffering from a number of health problems which required veterinary attention.

“It is heartbreaking that Milo suffered in this way, particularly during his later years.”