Man Banned from Owning Animals for 10 Years After Neighbor Filmed Him Throwing His Undernourished Dog Over 6-Foot Gate

**Animal Abuser Banned from Pet Ownership After Disturbing Incident**

A man from Bristol has been prohibited from owning any animals for ten years following a conviction for the abuse of his severely underweight dog, a terrier named Boomer. James Andrew Marchant, 42, pleaded guilty to two charges related to animal welfare in a case that has sparked public outrage and highlighted the importance of reporting cruelty towards animals.

The sentencing was handed down at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on June 24. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Marchant threw Boomer over a nearly six-foot garden gate, causing the dog to land on hard concrete. The incident was captured on video by concerned neighbours who intervened, shouting for him to stop before involving the authorities, as reported by the BBC.

In addition to banning Marchant from owning pets, the court imposed a fine of approximately £430, alongside a mandatory victim surcharge of about £85. These penalties reflect the seriousness of the animal welfare offences he committed.

The shocking events leading to Marchant’s conviction unfolded in September 2025 when witnesses observed him grabbing Boomer by the neck before throwing him across his garden. After the neighbours alerted the police, officers promptly arrived on the scene and arrested Marchant for his actions.

Clair Yvonne Malik, Marchant’s housemate, also faced legal consequences for her involvement in the case. The 43-year-old admitted to neglecting Boomer’s nutritional needs and was subsequently banned from keeping animals for five years. She was fined around £130 and ordered to pay a further £430 in costs, along with a victim surcharge of approximately £45.

Expert insights were provided during the court proceedings by a veterinarian who reviewed the footage of the incident. The veterinarian confirmed that Boomer would have experienced pain and distress as Marchant held him by the neck and again upon impact with the ground. The vet noted, “The callous manner in which he threw Boomer over the fence, compounded by the failure to have him then checked by a vet, illustrates that he failed in his duty to protect him from pain, suffering, injury and disease.”

Upon examination, Boomer was found to be woefully underweight, weighing just 4.4 lbs. Fortunately, after being taken into custody by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), he received the care he needed and managed to gain weight. Boomer was successfully rehomed about a month later.

The RSPCA, which brought the charges against Marchant and Malik, commended the neighbours who reported the cruel treatment. Kim Walters, an investigator for the organisation, emphasised the importance of public vigilance against animal cruelty. “Animals feel pain and suffering just like we do and always deserve to be shown kindness and compassion,” Walters stated. She urged the community to continue acting as the charity’s “eyes and ears” in reporting suspected cases of abuse.

This case has resonated deeply within Bristol and beyond, underscoring the need for increased awareness and vigilance regarding animal welfare. Advocates for animal rights are urging everyone to be proactive in reporting any signs of neglect or cruelty to ensure that pets like Boomer receive the protection they deserve.

The RSPCA is continuously working to improve animal welfare and urges anyone who witnesses potential abuse to reach out and report their concerns to the relevant authorities. This incident serves as a reminder that the welfare of our animals is a shared responsibility, requiring the support and vigilance of the entire community.