A DOG injured during an alleged burglary might have been hacked with an axe, a court has heard.

Patrick Ruddy, of The Heights, Backlane, Kendal, appeared before Furness Magistrates’ Court in Barrow yesterday, accused of burglary in Bowness.

The court heard a wallet containing £285 was allegedly stolen during the incident, which left the homeowner’s Staffordshire bull terrier with injuries.

The court heard how Ruddy, 44, was alleged to have entered the property in Helm Close with an accomplice, using an axe to force entry.

Prosecutor Collette Renton said the homeowner’s dog had sustained injuries to the leg possibly as a result of being stabbed during the incident.

Ruddy denied the charge and was released on conditional bail.

The case was adjourned to September 19 at Carlsisle Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing.