AN ANIMAL abuser has been ordered to pay nearly £2,000 and has been banned from keeping dogs.

Garry Sutherland, aged 61, of Harcombe, in east Devon, caused unneccessary suffering to a dog by kicking it in Langdon Lane, Chideock, on July 24, 2022, a court heard.

In November Sutherland pleaded not guilty to causing unneccessary suffering to a protected animal.

He was found guilty of the charge after a trial at Weymouth Magistrates' Court on June 27, 2023.

He was sentenced at the same court on Thursday, August 3.

The court heard how Sutherland kicked the dog in the west Dorset village last summer, contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

He has been told to pay £1,200 compensation, costs of £650 to the Crown Prosecution Service as well as a victim surcharge payment of £114 - totalling £1,964.

Sutherland, who must pay the money back by Thursday, August 31, has been banned from owning a dog for a period of two years.

The 61-year-old has also been ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.