A MAN who beat his dog after it urinated on the floor of his Prenton home has been jailed for 14 weeks.

Christopher Cameron, of no fixed abode, appeared via video link at Wirral magistrates on Friday where he was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to his then girlfriend’s white Staffordshire bull terrier China.

The 30 year old, who is currently serving a 21 month sentence for assault on China’s owner, pleaded guilty to inflicting blunt force trauma and physical abuse by punching the dog numerous times in the head.

Chris Murphy, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, told the court that officers from Merseyside Police had accompanied the animal charity to an address in Seiriol Grove on October 12 last year following reports of the mistreatment of a dog.

On arrival, officers discovered China with wounds to the skin on its head, neck and back, described by Mr Murphy as “necrotic”.

China was seized and taken to a nearby vet where he was given antibiotics for his injuries.

Mr Murphy told the court Cameron’s girlfriend had heard the dog growling at 3am, with Cameron telling her it had urinated in the hall.

“It had its own faeces on its head and down its side,” said Mr Murphy.

“She said she witnessed the defendant punch the dog three, four, five times on the head full force.”

The court heard that Cameron had admitted punching China when interviewed by the RSPCA.

Mr Murphy added: “This defendant has a tendency to violence and has no concern or care for animals. It would be inappropriate for him to have animals in the future.”

Gerry Pachter, defending, told magistrates Cameron had an alcohol problem which often led to a loss of temper, something he said he is now getting help for.

“His intention on his release later this year is to go back to South Shields where he is from and go back to his mum’s,” said Mr Pachter.

“He apologises to everyone concerned and he is relieved that the dog seems to be making a recovery because it’s a nice dog and that it didn’t have to be put to sleep is good news.

“He will now serve his time. He is serving a lengthy sentence and he would like to come out to a clean slate. “

Chair of the bench Mrs Kirkbride-Wright sentenced Cameron to 14 weeks in prison and disqualified him from owning or keeping animals for life.

Speaking after the hearing, RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes said it was a case of cruelty that would stay with him for a long time.

He said: “China was subjected to prolonged physical and mental abuse that no animal should have to endure.

“The animal I came across in October last year was a defeated and broken animal with appalling injuries.

“The police officer, myself and the veterinary surgeon were lost for words with what was in front of us.

“To think that someone could inflict such punishment on a defenceless animal beggars belief but that's why we are here, to bring these animal abusers to justice.

“The people who made the call should be proud that they may have saved that dog’s torture from continuing and ultimately its life.”

China is now starting a new life with a loving family in Cheshire who have renamed him Simon.