A TRIAL will be held to determine whether a Dalton man is guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog.

Shaun Cedric Hine is accused of kicking the patterdale terrier and banging it against a wall during an incident in the town on Thursday March 23. The 51-year-old, of Ann Street, Dalton, pleaded not guilty to the charge during a hearing at Furness and District Magistrates Court yesterday (18) morning. He was represented in court by Mr Mike Graham.

Hine will appear for trial at the same court on Friday July 5 at 2pm. He remains on unconditional bail until that time.