Caught on camera Dog owner banned for abuse of pets

A WOMAN has received a suspended prison sentence after shocking abuse she dished out to her two dogs was captured on a neighbour's doorbell camera.

- Tristan CORK [e-mail]

Lauren Leigh Barker was given a 12-week jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, and also banned from keeping animals for five years after she was found guilty by magistrates of two counts of animal welfare offences.

Barker, 27, told magistrates the dog on the receiving end of the abuse was aggressive and she was acting in self-defence when she shouted, dragged and kicked him, and it is understood she maintains her innocence and plans to appeal against the convictions.

Barker was filmed at a flat in Cheviot Meadow in Portishead in the autumn of 2023 with two dogs, Iddy and Rocco.

The RSPCA began an investigation into her conduct after its inspectors received a series of clips from a doorbell camera, showing her with her two dogs.

"The clips of footage include Baker screaming and swearing at Rocco, slamming doors, dragging him on a lead," said an RSPCA spokesperson.