A man chased his dog through Baxter Park and repeatedly punched it before threatening to kill a woman who came to the animal’s aid.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard that John Brannan ran after his 17-year-old pet, Jock, in the city park, shouting he would “belt” it and kill it.
Brannan, 51, of Morgan Street, admitted he caused a pet dog unnecessary suffering, in that he repeatedly punched the animal, on June 26 at Baxter Park.
He further admitted that he acted in a racially aggravated manner, which caused or was intended to cause alarm and distress to Agate Kuzmina, in respect that he threatened to kill her and repeatedly shouted racist remarks at her.
Fiscal depute Vicki Bell told the court that Ms Kuzmina was in the park finishing a game of tennis.
Ms Bell said: “As she came out of the tennis courts, she saw the accused running after a dog and shouting, ‘I’m going to belt you’.
“Two other people in the park with their dog also saw the accused run past them while shouting at the dog ‘I’m going to kill that dog’.”
The court heard Brannan eventually caught the dog and was seen to repeatedly punch it.
Ms Bell added: “The dog escaped from the accused. The complainer caught the dog and told the accused to leave it alone.
“The accused then approached the complainer and shouted ‘I’m going to kill you’. He then continued to make abusive remarks including ‘get back to your own country’.”
When police arrived the dog was shaking and looked in distress as far as they were concerned. Ms Kuzmina was upset and crying.
Brannan’s solicitor David Duncan told the court his client had no recollection of the events.
He said: “It is very much at odds with the offences, but his greatest concern is the dog, as they obviously have a long attachment together.”
Deferring sentence for reports until October 2, Sheriff George Way said: “These are both outbursts which are quite concerning.”