In September 2025, neighbors in Bristol, England recorded James Andrew Marchant grabbing a severely underweight terrier named Boomer by the neck, carrying him across a yard and throwing him over a nearly six-foot garden gate onto a paved surface. People reported on July 4, 2026, citing the BBC, that Marchant pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offenses and was sentenced at Bristol Magistrates' Court on June 24, including a 10-year ban on owning animals. Clair Yvonne Malik, who lived at the same address, also pleaded guilty to failing to meet Boomer's nutritional needs and received a five-year animal ban. Boomer was taken into RSPCA care, gained weight and was rehomed about a month later.

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An intentional act captured by neighbors

Public reporting says the neighbor video showed Marchant holding Boomer by the neck, carrying him across the yard and throwing him over a nearly six-foot garden gate. Witnesses shouted for him to stop and contacted police. This was not a passive lapse in care; it was a direct act of physical force against a small dog.

Pain, severe underweight and no vet check

A veterinarian who reviewed the footage told the court that Boomer would have suffered pain and distress while being held by the neck, followed by immediate pain when he hit the ground. Boomer was also found to be severely underweight, weighing about 4.4 pounds, and he was not taken for a veterinary check after the incident.

Court outcome

Marchant pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offenses and was sentenced at Bristol Magistrates' Court on June 24, 2026. He received a 10-year ban on owning animals and was ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge. Clair Yvonne Malik pleaded guilty to failing to meet Boomer's nutritional needs and received a five-year animal ban, a fine and costs.

Why this is recorded

This case is not only a story of poor care. It combines direct violence, serious nutritional neglect and failure to seek veterinary help after injury. The neighbors' video and report became the turning point, showing how timely witness action can change an animal's fate.

Timeline

• September 2025: Neighbors recorded Boomer being held by the neck and thrown over a garden gate, then contacted police.
• After police intervention: Marchant was arrested and Boomer was taken into RSPCA care.
• June 24, 2026: Marchant was sentenced at Bristol Magistrates' Court and banned from owning animals for 10 years; Malik received a five-year animal ban.
• July 4, 2026: People reported the case, citing the BBC and RSPCA statements.

Public sources

• People: Man banned from owning animals for 10 years after throwing dog over gate