Viral dog kicker Brett Simpson fined $1000 in court

A MAN who was the subject of a viral video which showed him hitting and kicking a dog and yanking his lead so hard the pup was airborne for one metre has been fined in court today.

A MAN who was the subject of a viral video which showed him hitting and kicking a dog and yanking his lead so hard the pup was airborne for one metre has been fined $1000.

He has also been banned from owning an animal for three years.

Brett Allan Simpson, of Reedy Creek, pleaded guilty in Southport Magistrates Court to one count of animal cruelty.

Simpson’s kicks and punches to his dog Rocky was captured on video by a horrified onlooker who saw the events unfold on January 8 at Currumbin beach.

Defence lawyer Brooke Winter, of Brooke Winter Solicitors, said Simpson had received death threats over the video.

“There has been extensive public shaming, he and his family have been traumatised by people directly over social media,” Mr Winter said.

The court heard Simpson had been forced to change his car and numberplates due to the threats.

It was these threats and the fact Simpson had undertaken an anger management course that lead Magistrates Louise Sheppard determined that a period of probation was too harsh.

She also ordered Simpson pay more than $2000 in RSPCA costs.

The mobile phone footage was played to the court by barrister for the RSPCA barrister Adrian Braithwaite.

The video showed Simpson getting Staffordshire bull terrier Rocky out of the back of his ute before pulling on Rocky’s leash, kicking him and punching him in the head.

“He abused the dog by hitting, kicking while on leash with such force it was pulled off it’s feet and airborne for about one metre,” Mr Braithwaite said.

The court heard prior to the video starting Simpson was seen punching Rocky to the head.

“(Rocky) jumped by the side of vehicle and hanging by collar,” Mr Braithwaite said.

Mr Braithwaite said Simpson handed himself in to the RSPCA after the video when viral.

He said Simpson told RSPCA inspectors he had pulled on the dog’s chain because he was scared Rocky was going to run onto the road.

Simpson has also made an unsolicited donation of $500 to the RSPCA and voluntarily surrendered Rocky for rehoming.

Video footage of Brett Simpson allegedly attacking his staffy at Palm Beach on January 18.

“It might fairly be said there has been some extra-curial punishment by virtue of the public shaming,” Mr Braithwaite said.

Mr Winter said Simpson had taken anger management courses since the video went viral.

“Mr Simpson was an active participant in the course and not just getting himself out of a legal situation,” he said.

Mr Winter said Simpson knew he acted in a way he should not have and was remorseful for his actions.

He said as soon as Simpson was aware of the viral video he contacted the RSPCA and asked them to visit Rocky.

The court heard RSPCA inspectors found Rocky in good health but was boisterous and with little training.