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Ladysmith man fined after treating dog like 'punching bag'

Sentence handed down in provincial court Aug. 29 in Nanaimo
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Matthew Matanovic, 28, was fined $6,000 and is prohibited for owning a pet for 10 years after punching and kicking a black Labrador retriever in 2023.

A Ladysmith man who beat a puppy to the point where it had a brain injury has been fined and prohibited from owning animals for 10 years.

Matthew Matanovic, 28, pleaded guilty in March to single counts of causing unnecessary pain and suffering of an animal and causing an animal to continue to be in distress. The charges stem from December 2023, when Matanovic brought his 11-month-old Labrador retriever to Central Island Veterinary Emergency Hospital in Nanaimo, as it was suffering seizures and unable to walk, judge Brian Harvey recounted at sentencing at B.C. provincial court in Nanaimo on Thursday, Aug. 29.

Harvey handed down a $6,000 fine and one year of probation, including 80 hours of community service. He also issued an order prohibiting pet ownership for 10 years. The fine must be paid within two years and the community service performed in nine months.

Matanovic admitted to veterinary staff that he lost his temper after the puppy had urinated in the house, and treated the dog like a "punching bag," hitting it at least five times and kicking it four times, said the judge. The dog had laboured breathing, was limping and sustained a brain bleed. Matanovic agreed to surrender the dog after it was treated and it was placed in a foster home.

Brett Webber, Crown counsel, said it was fortunate that veterinary staff were able to treat the dog, but noted that it suffered serious injuries due to Matanovic's "uncontrolled anger." Crown had sought either a fine of up to $7,000 or a 90-day jail sentence.

Dina Diab, defence lawyer, stated there was no doubt that subjecting a vulnerable animal to violence was problematic, but pointed out that her client brought the puppy to the vet and immediately accepted responsibility.

Subsequently, Matanovic sought counselling, something he pays for out of his own pocket. Defence counsel noted that her client suffers from a developmental disability and added that there isn't sufficient evidence as to whether the dog's neurological issues were a result of the beating or pre-existing. Diab sought a suspended sentence and 18 months' probation.

Addressing the court, Matanovic said there was no excuse for abusing the animal and said he understood the gravity of his actions. He accepted the sentence and was grateful to the veterinary staff for treating and caring for the dog.

A charge of injuring an animal was stayed by Crown.

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Karl Yu

About the Author: Karl Yu

I joined Black Press in 2010 and cover education, court and RDN. I am a Ma Murray and CCNA award winner.
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