A MAN has been prevented from owning or keeping a dog after being sentenced for causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Brian Thomas pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to kicking and punching a dog in Barrow on March 28 2024, contrary to sections 4(1) and 32(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The 43-year-old, of Robert Street in Barrow, was sentenced to a 12-month community order at South Cumbria Magistrates on April 18.

As part of the order, Thomas was ordered to attend a maximum of 15 rehabilitation requirement days.

He was also given a 12-month disqualification order relating to dogs, which prohibits him from owning, keeping, or being party to an arrangement in which he could control or influence the way in which a dog is kept.

In addition, magistrates ordered he pay £357 in compensation, an £80 fine, as well as a £114 surcharge.