A MAN who was recorded abusing his dog has been banned from keeping animals for ten years.

Brad Craig Skipp of Knightstone Court, Weston-super-Mare, was convicted of an animal welfare offence following a prosecution by the RSPCA

Concerns had been raised by those living close to Skipp’s former home in Radstock about the welfare of his Cane Corso, Thesesus, after they reported hearing the distressed dog being attacked.

RSPCA inspector Miranda Albinson, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “A taped recording was made of Skipp, and in the recording Theseus can be heard yelping and screaming throughout, and thudding can be heard as though the dog is being subjected to a physical attack.”

Skipp denied he had physically harmed his dog, claiming that while he ‘slapped’ his dog’s rear, he never used a fist.

He admitted shouting at the dog and said on the date of the recording, April 18, he had got back to find his dog had emptied the fridge, cupboard and washing machine all over the floor.

At a Newton Hearing, held at Bath Magistrates’ Court, on Monday, September 23, Skipp was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering and sentenced.

Alongside the ten-year animal ownership disqualification, which cannot be appealed for five years, Skipp was given a 10-week curfew, which means he must remain in his home between 7pm and 6am. He was also fined £750 and an £85 victim surcharge.

He was also deprived of ownership of Thesesus, who has been in the care of an RSPCA animal centre since the time of his rescue and can now be found a new home.