Lazar Morris May-Jolley pleads guilty to animal cruelty

The RSPCA has released footage of a father repeatedly beating his dog including with a shovel as the defenceless pup yelps in distress. WARNING: Disturbing footage

A magistrate debated banning a Blacks Beach father from ever being able to own an animal after he repeatedly beat his bull Arab pup out of frustration, including with a shovel.

A neighbour witnessed the chilling conduct after hearing the dog – Jerry – howling in distress, even capturing some of the cruelty on camera, a Mackay court heard.

The disturbing footage shows Lazar Morris May-Jolley striding to Jerry on July 30, 2020 before he disappeared from view as the frightened pup is heard yelping.

Just before that, May-Jolley had picked the seven-month-old pup up by the collar and threw him across his Blacks Beach yard.

On October 31, 2020 the witness again heard Jerry yelping and began recording the incident where May-Jolley was seen holding the pup by the collar and striking him repeatedly.

He twice walked away and returned to hit Jerry, once with his fists and the second time with a small garden shovel. The pup can be heard yelping in distress.

Convictions have been recorded against Lazar Morris May-Jolley over his disgraceful conduct against a Bull Arab pup named Jerry.

The RSPCA has released the footage.

May-Jolley, who represented himself, pleaded guilty in Mackay Magistrates Court this month to animal cruelty and inappropriate handling.

The 33-year-old father of three told the court, “there’s no words that describe my actions. I made a horrible mistake”.

He told RSPCA inspectors he “saw red” after Jerry had dug numerous holes in the yard and eaten fruit trees, and that hitting him with the shovel was a “one-time thing”.

Jerry has since been rehomed.

The court heard at least once May-Jolley went back to Jerry and hit the pup “out of spite” following an argument with his then-partner.

“I must say I would jail him if I thought it would stand appeal, but I know it won’t,” Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan said.

“He should get the maximum period of community service and a period of probation because something is clearly wrong with him and at play, to treat an animal in this way.

“This is a beating of a dog on two occasions, it’s absolutely abhorrent conduct against a defenceless animal.”

May-Jolley told the RSPCA he had “severe mental health issues”, a drug problem and everything compounded during Covid because he was out of work and struggling to buy food and pay rent.

“With the struggle of having a new baby as well it caused him to lose it,” he told RSPCA inspectors.

Lazar Morris May-Jolley tried to hide his face as he left Mackay courthouse after pleading guilty in Mackay Magistrates Court to animal cruelty.

The RSPCA seized Jerry in good condition and he has since been rehomed.

Ms Hartigan considered banning May-Jolley from owning an animal for life but ultimately decided on a five-year prohibition order.

The court heard there were no physical injuries to Jerry and May-Jolley was now on a mental health plan.

He was placed on 12 months probation and ordered to complete 240 hours community service in that time. He must also pay $2009.85 in costs. Convictions were recorded.