Save CJ: Campaign to prevent puppy being returned to his violent owner
CJ WAS just a four-month-old puppy when his owner kicked him in the head. Now, he may be handed back - and animal welfare supporters are in uproar.
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CJ WAS just a four-month-old puppy when his owner Ashley Main stomped and kicked him in the head in front of horrified witnesses in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
After spending the past five months recuperating and being cared for by the Animal Welfare League at a shelter, CJ faces the prospect of being handed back to the owner who was convicted of animal cruelty for beating him.
Police responded to a triple-O call at 11am on February 24 this year after reports a man was attacking the black puppy in a street at Kensington. Witnesses said the man dragged the puppy along the street by a rope, stomped on his neck and hit him over the head while holding him down.
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Main was arrested and charged, and CJ was handed over to the Animal Welfare League (AWL). Main, 27, was found guilty in Waverley Court last week of an act of cruelty for the attack on CJ. He had pleaded not guilty
AWLeague Inspector Ian Hughes wrote a letter to the court pleading to keep CJ in the care of the Welfare League and also to ban Main from getting another dog. No order was made.
“It’s astounding to think this poor dog will most likely end up with the person who was found guilty of stomping and kicking him in the head,’’ Mr Hughes said yesterday.
“Anyone convicted of animal cruelty forfeits the right to own a dog, particularly one which they have proven to have deliberately hurt.’’
Main was placed on a six-month good behaviour bond.
He will have to pay $5959 for boarding fees, vaccinations, veterinary fees and dog registration.
Mr Hughes said the owner had expressed interest in CJ. “I have spoken to Mr Main and he has indicated he wants CJ back and has the money to pay and is willing to do so,” he said. “The police have indicated they may appeal.’’
The AWL website and Facebook site have been inundated after they started a Save CJ campaign, with more than 20,000 likes.
The Daily Telegraph was unable to contact Main.
Originally published as Save CJ: Campaign to prevent puppy being returned to his violent owner
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