A resident of Harrow has been prohibited from owning dogs for a decade after a video doorbell captured him brutally assaulting his pet dog, Nero, with a blunt object.
The disturbing footage, recorded on December 8 of the previous year, shows 32-year-old Vasile Baltatu from Hawkins Close in Harrow chasing his brindle and white bull breed-type dog with a plastic shoe horn. In the video, Baltatu repeatedly strikes the terrified pet, causing the dog to cower under a vehicle while yelping in pain. Disturbingly, Baltatu can be heard shouting threats, including, “I’ll get you tomorrow!” at the helpless Nero.
Vasile Baltatu entered a guilty plea for an animal welfare offense during his appearance at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on August 18. The successful investigation leading to his conviction was conducted by the RSPCA. RSPCA inspector Mike Beaman visited Baltatu’s residence on January 5, 2023, where he took custody of the dog and transferred it to the animal welfare charity.
A witness veterinarian, upon reviewing the footage, stated, “There is nothing in the video to explain or justify this level of force against the dog from a veterinary perspective. The translated transcript of the video reveals that the owner is using threats and profanities against the dog, and the phrase ‘I’ll get you tomorrow!’ raises concerns about the dog’s continued exposure to violence and harm if it had remained with the owner.”
The veterinarian further noted, “The cruelty displayed in the video suggests malice, and the severity of the man’s actions makes this one of the most extreme and disturbing cases I’ve encountered as an RSPCA witness. I have serious reservations about this individual’s ability to care for animals in the future.”
In addition to the decade-long ban on dog ownership, Baltatu received an 18-month community order, including 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) and 150 hours of unpaid work. He was also fined £500 in costs.
RSPCA inspector Mike Beaman expressed gratitude to the individual who shared the footage, enabling them to hold Mr. Baltatu accountable.
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