Stratford dog owner banned from keeping a dog for five years

Nicolas Reece appeared at Bow Magistrates Court where he pled guilty to five charges in relation to his dog ‘Bear’.

‘Bear’ had been rescued from the streets twice as a stray by Newham Council’s Animal Welfare team in May of last year.

When Reece went to collect ‘Bear’ the second time from Newham’s animal welfare kennels in Jenkins Lane, he was observed to kick and hit the animal on the head in apparent frustration.

Animal Welfare Officers intervened and ‘Bear’ was removed from Reece’s care. Reece was charged with allowing ‘Bear’ out without a collar and identification tag, failing to ensure the dog was unable to escape and become a stray, and causing him pain and suffering by kicking and hitting him.

The 48-year-old admitted five charges when he appeared in at Bow Magistrates Court yesterday (Tuesday 7 April 2026). He was also made to pay £1300 costs, with a victim surcharge of £114.

‘Bear’ has now been rehomed by the Newham Animal Welfare team.