Bonnie the Dogue de Bordeaux at scene of attack PIC: RSPCA
Bonnie the Dogue de Bordeaux at scene of attack [RSPCA]

A man who was filmed beating a dog with a stick said he wished he "had killed it with a hammer" when confronted by animal welfare officers.

Jason Appleby, 38, attacked Bonnie, a Dogue de Bordeaux, with a long wooden pole in his garden in Withernsea, Yorkshire.

He was jailed for four months at Hull Magistrates Court for causing the dog unnecessary suffering and banned for life from keeping animals.

In a video shot by neighbours Appleby chased and struck Bonnie, who attempted to hide from him in a children's playhouse. But he continued to attack her and later told RSPCA inspectors he wished he had killed her.

Appley claimed in court that he never meant to cause harm.

RSPCA inspector Claire Mitchell said: "Watching the footage was extremely shocking, even for me as an RSPCA inspector.

"It shows Appleby chasing the dog around with a piece of wood, attempting to hit her. The dog is clearly utterly terrified.

"The dog runs into a children's playhouse to try to get away from him but he continues his assault and actually propels the playhouse into the air such are his efforts to hurt her."

Appleby lost his temper with Bonnie after the dog grabbed a soiled nappy in its jaws and sent human waste flying in the kitchen by shaking it violently, the court heard.

"There can be no excuse for the violence heaped on this dog," said Mitchell.

"Anyone who thinks that this kind of behaviour helps to teach a dog anything positive should not own an animal and I am very pleased that Appleby won't be allowed to keep animals in future."