A man who delivered a ‘forceful kick’ to his pet dog’s face, that he called an ‘accidental leg movement’ has been slapped with a 10-year ban.
Andrew Masters has been banned from keeping dogs for the next decade after horrific footage surfaced of him abusing his pet.
The 60-year-old was spotted acting aggressively towards his dog Rocco with the clip showing him shouting and kicking at the animal.
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Multiple concerns about Masters behaviour towards the three-year-old bull-breed cross were raised to the RSPCA by members of the public before the clip exposed him.
Officials visited his home on Roundwood Road, St Leonards on Sea, Hastings, a number of times sparking the investigation.
On 2 April, Masters appeared at Hastings Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to one animal welfare offence following a prosecution by the RSPCA, as reported by Need To Know.
After being shown the footage, the defendant described the physical acts as ‘a tap on the nose’ and ‘an accidental leg movement’.
During the callouts to the property RSPCA officials and police offered Masters plenty of advice about neutering, positive reinforcement training methods and the use of a muzzle.
He was also advised to use a harness instead of a collar – however, the advice was ignored with the footage exposing his unprovoked aggressive behaviour towards the animal.
In defence of his actions Masters stated that he felt overwhelmed by unsuccessful attempts to muzzle and put a harness on Rocco.
On 12 November 2025 Inspector Andrew Kirby, alongside Hastings Police, retrieved Rocco from the owners property taking him into RSPCA care.
After pleading guilty in court, Masters has been banned from keeping dogs for 10 years, which cannot be appealed for five years.
The 60-year-old was also handed an 18-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £500 in costs and a £25 victim surcharge.
Andrew Kirby, RSPCA Inspector, who investigated for the charity, said: “Dogs feel pain and suffering, just like we do, and always deserve to be shown kindness and compassion.
“Rocco was sadly denied this essential care, resulting in his suffering and posing a danger to those around him.”
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