A DOG owner who choked his pet has been banned from owning animals for three years.

Benjamin Davies, of Robert Street, Barrow, caused unnecessary suffering to a dog by choking it as well as assaulting a woman in Barrow, South Cumbria Magistrates' Court was told.

The 26-year-old admitted to both offences, which took place on September 12.

An animal charity branded his actions as 'awful and really upsetting'

The court heard Davies was responsible for a dog and 'committed an act that caused that animal to suffer and permitted that to happen or failed to take such steps as were reasonable in all the circumstances to prevent that happening, and that suffering was unnecessary'.

No injuries to the dog were highlighted in court but it was said the dog has since been rehomed.

A disqualification order relating to all animals was made for the period of three years.

A community order was also imposed by the court and the defendant must complete 150 hours of unpaid work and attend rehabilitation activity requirements for 25 days.

Anita Green, of Animal Refuge Furness, said: "Actions like this are to be condemned as is violence against all animals and humans.

"As a charity we do all we can to make sure that animals go to the right homes to avoid any situations like this one.

"If there is any concern about animal abuse then people need to contact the authorities such as the RSPCA or the police.

"We do not have any authority in terms of taking animals away but if we do get contacted then we will of course help where we can by contacting the right people.

"Offences like this are awful and really upsetting."

The RSPCA's mission is to improve the lives of all animals and their main focus is to end the cruelty that animals suffer.

From investigating cruelty and rescuing animals throughout England and Wales to enacting real change in the law, there are countless things they do to ensure that all animals live a cruelty-free life.

To report any urgent concerns to the RSPCA, call 0300 1234 999.