Dachshund punched and thrown by arguing couple

A couple who punched and threw their young dachshund have been banned from keeping dogs for five years.

Ami Wynn and Peter Gordon, both from Southampton, abused their young pet in Brockenhurst in July 2024.

Eyewitnesses said the couple had begun arguing before repeatedly abusing the dog, called Spike.

The pair, both 47, hit the animal in the head and ribs, whilst also throwing him multiple times.

Wynn, who began arguing with Gordon whilst walking Spike on Lyndhurst Road in Brockenhurst, pinned the dachshund to the ground and hit him multiple times in the ribs and stomach, causing him to audibly squeal.

She then threw the dog about 15ft (4.5m), leading to Gordon dragging Spike along the ground before throwing him at Wynn, the RSPCA said.

The dog was then thrown to the ground various times and hit in the head and chest by Wynn.

Eyewitnesses took Spike from the couple and called the police.

In a statement to Southampton Magistrates' Court, a vet said Spike had been caused to "suffer mentally from fear and terror" as a consequence of the attack.

Investigating the incident on behalf of the RSPCA, Miranda Albinson thanked the members of the public who "stood up for Spike" during his "horrendous mistreatment".

"Animals feel pain and suffering just like we do and always deserve to be shown kindness and compassion," she said.

"Sadly Spike wasn't shown the care he deserved when he was abused in public."

As well as being disqualified from keeping dogs, Wynn and Gordon were also sentenced to a 12-month community order and ordered to pay a £350 fine and £114 victim surcharge.

Spike has since been rehomed.

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