Man filmed kicking, punching, abusing dog escapes with fine

The Gold Coast man kicked his dog, Rocky, and pulled hard on the pup's chain collar to restrain it at Currumbin Beach. Photo / 7 News

WARNING: Disturbing footage

A man who was filmed kicking and punching his dog in January 2018 has escaped without conviction after being fined more than $1000 plus legal fees.

The animal attacker, who pleaded guilty to a charge of abusing his dog, has been forced to change vehicles and number plates after receiving death threats.

Footage of the incident, which went viral after it was recorded at Palm Beach, Gold Coast shows 32-year-old Brett Simpson kicking and yanking the lead of his two-and-a-half year-old Staffordshire bull terrier Rocky.

The witness shared the clip on Facebook with a caption stating the man "started kicking the dog and dragged it around by its lead yelling at the dog to 'settle down'".

The Gold Coast man kicked his dog, Rocky, and pulled hard on the pup's chain collar to restrain it at Currumbin Beach. Photo / 7 News

Simpson also admitted punching the dog in the face.

The Gold Coast man has also been banned from keeping any pets for three years.

Following the incident, Simpson voluntarily attended anger management sessions and donated $500 to the RSPCA.

Magistrate Louise Shepherd noted Simpson's remorse and said the "public shaming … and victimisation" he'd experienced was another mitigating factor in her sentencing decision.

"My client has pleaded guilty today to a serious offence, he's extremely sorry for finding himself in this position," Simpson's defence lawyer Brooke Winter told reporters outside court.

"He's been charged, the courts have dealt with him and he now wants to move on with his life."

Rocky has since been rehomed and is in good health.