A DEESIDE man has been banned from keeping a dog for three years after he was seen kicking his puppy in the street.

Alan Morris, 26, was said to have kicked the pet’s back legs when it nipped him on the hand.

Morris, of Kingsley Road, Garden City, admitted causing bull mastiff Troy unnecessary suffering.

He was given a three year conditional discharge with £802 costs to be paid to the prosecution, the RSPCA.

He was disqualified from keeping a dog for three years, although the order was suspended for 28 days so the puppy could be re-homed if necessary.

Flintshire magistrates said it was a very serious offence. The pup had been caused unnecessary suffering by being kicked by force, causing lameness and pain to the left thigh.

Glen Murphy, prosecuting, said RSPCA Inspector Tim Jones received a complaint and went to Morris’ home where the pup was lethargic and limping.

Troy was examined by a vet and then taken to an RSPCA centre near Shrewsbury before being cared for by the father of Morris’ partner on the Wirral. It was later said to be in good health and lively.

Interviewed, Morris said they had Troy for eight weeks. That day there were walking in Station Road, Queensferry, and the pup was on a lead.

The pup had pulled him and nipped his finger so he went up to him and kicked him up the backside.

Despite what witnesses had said, he said he had only kicked the pup once.

Morris said he did have a temper and sometimes got wound up.

David Finney, defending, said Morris had no offences of violence either against people or animals and he was extremely remorseful.

Morris was normally a mild-mannered person but he had suffered from depression and financial problems after £4,000 was stolen from his account, and that was the subject of a long-standing investigation.

Morris was a skilled man working as an upholsterer for Bentley Motors but had been off work for a year through stress.

Of the kick to the dog, he said: “He did not do it for fun, for pleasure or to see the dog suffer.

“My client did it in the heat of the moment, a reaction to being bitten.”

Mr Finney said the dog was now being cared for by his client’s partner at the family home.