A Peterhead couple accused of letting their dogs run “dangerously out of control” before striking one repeatedly over the face with a chain will stand trial on animal abuse charges.
Brodie Burns, 25, and Lesley-Ann Stewart, 36, are accused of being in charge of two “dangerously out of control” Staffordshire bull terrier cross type dogs and of striking one of them across the face repeatedly.
‘Unnecessary suffering’
It is alleged their pets attacked and injured another dog during a disturbance in Peterhead’s Berryden Road on Saturday April 24.
The pair are accused of causing one of those bull terriers “unnecessary suffering” by “using a chain lead to repeatedly hit” the animal.
They were charged earlier this month after a video showing a dog being repeatedly struck in the face was widely shared on social media platforms before being reported to Police Scotland.
The couple, both of Willowbank Road, Peterhead, denied those charges and will stand trial at the town’s sheriff court on Thursday December 16.
Town centre disturbance
Burns also denied three further charges, all alleged to have taken place on April 24 in Berryden Road. He is accused of striking the female owner of the dog, which his terrier is accused of attacking, on her head, making threatening gestures and shouting abuse at another woman and punching one man.
Burns is also accused of uttering racially abusive remarks at both women during the altercation.
He denies all five charges against him, while Stewart denies the two against her.
Pair to stand trial
The couple will appear at an intermediate diet on Friday October 15 before a trial on Thursday December 16 at Peterhead Sheriff Court.
After the pair were charged members of the public were thanked for assisting with police enquiries.
PC Tessa Alexander said: “We are aware a video of part of this incident was shared online and I would like to thank members of the public for coming forward and assisting with our enquiries.”
