A NEWPORT man beat a Yorkshire terrier so badly that the traumatised animal had to be put down, a court heard yesterday.

Leighton Martyn Collins, 50, who admitted a charge of animal cruelty, was banned from owning animals for five years, fined £1,000 and ordered to carry out community service for 12 months.

Collins, of the Nightingale Pub, Bettws shopping centre, Newport, appeared at Abergavenny magistrates court and admitted punching Yorkshire terrier Buster after the dog bit his finger.

Buster suffered severe head and chest injuries, and swelling of his eyes and neck after Collins repeatedly landed blows to his head, chest and abdomen, the court was told.

The dog's age is not known, but Collins had had him for five weeks. The court heard how on October 8 last year a member of the public reported seeing Collins "repeatedly punching" the Yorkshire terrier, who was heard yelping.

Prosecutor Katy Hanson said: "Police officers said the dog looked frightened, there was blood coming from its eyes, nose and mouth."

Buster was taken to Summerhill veterinary centre, in Newport, and staff said he was frightened, cowering in the corner and defecating. His eye had haemorrhaged and he showed signs of loss of balance. Buster had to be destroyed.

A post-mortem examination revealed acute trauma to Buster's head and chest and swelling of the eyes.

When interviewed by police in November, the court heard that Collins said: "He bit me and it's not the first time, I took him outside to sort him out because he went for the customers.

"I gave him a couple of slaps and told him who was boss. I wanted to punish him but he didn't deserve what he got."

The court heard how Collins had drunk about five pints before the incident and was angry that Buster showed him up in front of 20 customers. "I lashed out... I am sorry. I meant to sort him out and say I am the governor," he told police.

After the hearing, RSPCA inspector Edwina Davidson said she was pleased with the outcome of the case.

She said: "He did show remorse but it is completely inappropriate to punish an animal by using physical violence. "I hope he has learned his lesson."