A man who caused fear and distress to a dog he was responsible for, by repeatedly punching him, has been handed a five-year disqualification order.
Grzegorz Bieniek, from Glasgow, was found guilty of repeatedly striking a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Taz on the body with a closed fist.
He was also convicted of kicking 13-year-old Taz, pushing his head against a brick wall with his knee and suspending him by the neck with a lead, causing further fear and distress.
Bieniek was found guilty on 17 January and was sentenced at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday, 13 February. He was also given a four-month restriction liberty order.
Scottish SPCA Inspector Boyce reported: “In October 2023 witnesses observed Bieniek repeatedly punch a Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog on the body, with a closed fist on a street in Glasgow.
“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. The dog was elevated as such his front feet were raised and he was swinging.
“The dog struggled to place his front feet back onto the ground.
“The witnesses contacted our animal helpline to report what they had seen, and we attended the same day.
“When we attended at the property we requested to view the dog. Bieniek advised the dog was named Taz and stated that he was 13 years old. We observed an elderly male Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who was blue in colour with a white chest, walk out the door. The dog 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.
“Bieniek stated that he was not the owner, but the dog had been in his care for four months.
“Taz’s fearful body language was evident; 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.
“To establish events, we asked the Bieniek if he had hit the dog, to which he replied, “not really”. He became defensive at this and was becoming aggressive.
“Due to concerns for the dog’s safety, we contacted Police Scotland to request assistance at the property to seize the dog.
“The dog had to be carried down the stairs due to 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. Although the veterinary examination revealed no immediate injuries related to the alleged abuse, Taz’s age and stiffness suggest he may have ongoing health issues.
“We are pleased with the result today. We would like to thank the witnesses for helping achieve this result.
“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. Scans revealed that he had severe hip dysplasia that was untreatable and was deteriorating. He was sadly euthanised on welfare grounds.
“He was caused suffering for the last four months of his life and Bieniek should be held accountable.”
