A man has been given a suspended jail sentence for causing unnecessary suffering to two cockapoo dogs.

Thomas Hardy, 32, of Prior Court, Billingham, appeared at Teesside Magistrates' on April 30.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of animal abuse involving blunt force trauma, physical violence and intimidatory behaviour towards two different dogs, one brown and one black, on July 18 and July 28 respectively in 2023.

The court heard evidence from the informant, RSPCA, leading to Hardy’s twelve-week imprisonment, suspended for 24 months, for each charge.

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The offence was deemed serious enough to warrant a prison sentence. However, it was suspended given Hardy's admission of guilt.

Alongside the suspended sentence, Hardy was ordered to participate in a thinking skills programme and comply with instructions to attend appointments or to participate in any activity as required by his responsible officer, for a total of 19 days.

He was also disqualified from dealing or participating in keeping any animals for 12 years.

In addition, Hardy was ordered to pay a surcharge of £154 to fund victim services and £600 in costs, payable in instalments starting May 28, 2024.