Pawel Czerwinski, 33, from Deere Road, Cardiff, has been banned from keeping dogs for two years following a court hearing at Cardiff Magistrates Court last Friday, January 24.

The case was brought to court by both Cardiff Council and the Crown Prosecution Service following reports Czerwinski caused unnecessary suffering to one of two husky dogs by repeatedly beating it while they were out on a walk.

In two separate instances, the dogs were let off their lead by Czerwinski and caused distress to both a tethered horse and an angler at Lamby Lakes. On one of these occasions witnesses saw Czerwinski beat one of his dogs repeatedly, once the animal was back in his control.

At Cardiff Magistrates' Court, Pawel Czerwinski pleaded guilty to two offences under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and a further offence under the Public Order Act 2014.

As well as being banned from keeping dogs for two years, Czerwinski was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, pay legal costs to both the Crown Prosecution Service and Cardiff Council as well as being given a 14 day Rehabilitation Requirement which requires him to go on relevant courses to better understand victim awareness and managing aggression.

Cllr Michael Michael, Cabinet Member responsible for Shared Regulatory Services at Cardiff Council, said: "The husky breed are very intelligent dogs which are both independent as well as challenging. As a breed they are notoriously difficult to train, but this is absolutely no excuse for any form of mistreatment.

"Primarily, huskies are working dogs but the breed is becoming increasingly popular as pets. These animals need a significant amount of exercise and adequate space at home and are best suited for confident and experienced dog owners."