Man who dragged puppy along street is given ban

Members of the public called police after the American bulldog-type animal was heard whimpering, with a chain wrapped around its neck.

Owner Abdul Khadir, aged 32, was said to be drunk when officers went to Prince Street in the Pleck area of Walsall, the town's magistrates were told.

He was taken to Bloxwich police station where officers discovered he was in possession of cannabis.

Mrs Virinder Bains, prosecuting, said when officers arrived at the scene on the afternoon of August 18 they could see blood on the dog's mouth and paws.

It was taken to a vet, who confirmed there were cuts to the puppy's face.

Mrs Bains said: "He told police the animal may have had bloodied paws due to being pulled."

The puppy was then taken into specialist care as the vet also found it was 'subdued, lethargic and tired'.

Mrs Bains said Khadir told police he had been drinking heavily and admitted having the cannabis.

Khadir, of Pleck Road, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and to possession of cannabis at a previous hearing.

Mr David Nash, defending, said: "He was drinking because of financial and relationship issues he was going through at the time. He is an inexperienced dog owner.

"It's a young dog that was in need of some training.

"He was over-zealous with his pulling and tugging of it. He is remorseful."

Khadir was disqualified from keeping dogs for 10 years and a deprivation order was issued, meaning the puppy will not be returned to him.

Magistrates ordered him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and handed him a 12-month supervision order. He was also ordered to pay £100 towards veterinary fees, costs of £85 and a £60 victim surcharge.

Khadir was sentenced for the cannabis offence at an earlier hearing, when he was fined £75 and told to pay a £20 victim surcharge.

Sentencing for the animal cruelty charge had been adjourned for three weeks prior to his appearance yesterday.