With fists and feet

“Herrl” beat dog that had dismantled packages

Dogs of the "Cane Corso" breed are considered calm, friendly and playful.

(Bild: Fischer Claudia)

How is this four-legged friend supposed to understand what made his owner so freaked out that he allegedly beat him black and blue? It's about a shipping package that the dog had been playing with and broke. The dog owner stood trial in Wels on Monday for cruelty to animals and was acquitted - not yet legally binding. An expert opinion was the deciding factor.

A 45-year-old dog owner had to answer to a single judge at Wels Regional Court on Monday. The man was charged with cruelty to animals.

It was on July 11, 2024 in Marchtrenk when something monstrous is said to have happened. The four-legged friend - an Italian guard and herding dog of the "Cane Corso" breed - had chosen a shipping package as a toy and torn it into several pieces. The value of the parcel: 200 euros.

Completely freaked out
According to a witness, this action had dramatic consequences for the animal. His "master" is said to have seen red and apparently freaked out completely. The 45-year-old is said to have thrown himself at the dog in a rage and punched it at least six times in the skull and kicked it twice in the spine.

The "Cane Corso", who did not know what was happening to him, was allegedly knocked out as a result, according to the witness. The alleged tormentor was reported to the police and faced up to two years in prison.

The man - who has multiple and relevant convictions - denied the punches, pointing out that three fingers on his right hand had been amputated. According to an expert opinion, this should make it almost impossible for him to clench a fist.

The judge acquitted him on the grounds of doubt. The public prosecutor made no statement and has three days to consider the case. The verdict is therefore not yet final.