3rd June 2026
A Poole man has pled guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal after he filmed himself pulling a rabbit out of a bag and setting a dog on it.
Billy Banks, of Fraser Road, Poole, was identified from the video which he posted onto a Facebook group chat.
A spokesperson from Dorset Police said: “A man has pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal in Poole.
“On Friday 3 October 2025, a video was posted into an open hare coursing group on Facebook by the defendant — a 32-year-old man from Poole.
“The video shows the defendant pull a live rabbit out of a bag at Broadstone recreation ground, before setting a young lurcher-type dog on it.
“The defendant was identified from the footage and arrested by officers in November 2025.
“He pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 28 May 2026.
“He is due to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 26 June 2026 to be sentenced.”
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/26163563.man-convicted-filming-dog-attacking-rabbit-named/