A man has been banned from keeping animals after he ripped the head off a live rabbit in front of two horrified children.
Robert Dawson also killed a badger after swinging it around by its rear legs, a court heard. Dawson killed the rabbit in front of a 13-year-old boy and 14-year-old girl.
"He took hold of it by the throat the children were horrified and taken away," said Paul Evans, prosecuting.
"He punched the rabbit in the head, then pulled its head away from its body."
Colchester Magistrates' Court heard Dawson, 22, had a personality disorder and learning difficulties.
Dawson's solicitor, Anna Perera, said the rabbit had myxamatosis and Dawson was putting it out of its misery.
She claimed the badger was already 'well and truly dead' when it came into Dawson's possession.
Dawson, of Seaview Avenue, Little Oakley, was not charged in connection with the allegations. But he admitted criminal damage after another incident on January 29.
He hurled eggs and oil at neighbours from his window. The missiles missed, but hit a shirt hung out to dry, causing £30 damage.
Mrs Perera claimed Dawson's actions were caused by vertigo. Dawson was given a six-month suspended sentence after he admitted assaulting a cyclist who suffered cuts and bruises.
He was ordered to pay compensation for criminal damage and fined £50 for causing a public nuisance in Clacton, as well as £43 costs.
He was also given an anti-social behaviour order banning him from having animals and drinking in public places and from wasting 999 services' time.
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Published Friday, February 18, 2005
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