A man accused of lifting his German Shepherd dog up by its neck pleaded not guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal when he appeared before Magistrates in Newport this morning (Tuesday).
36-year-old Elliott Hegarty, of Fitzroy Street in Sandown, appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal on 18th March 2022.
Hegarty has also been charged with wilful obstruction of the highway – namely Fitzroy Street – and using threatening/abusive/insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
The court was made very aware that Elliott Hegarty’s dog is currently in the care of authorities.
Hegarty pleaded not guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and elected for a Crown Court trial.
The case has been adjourned for a plea and trial preparation hearing at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on 12th September. He has been granted unconditional bail until that time.
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