<B A man who kicked his dog in a drunken rage has been told he will never get her back - and has been banned from keeping any dog for a year.

Magistrates were told that Ian Sturton's Jack Russell terrier bitch was taken away by RSPCA inspectors called to his home in Nelson Road, Leigh, following complaints.

The inspector found five-year-old Ripley with facial injuries and she was taken to an emergency vet.

The animal charity believe the dog had been kicked in the eye.

The vet reported that Ripley suffered a bloody eye and cuts to the face.

Southend Magistrates' Court heard Ripley was in so much pain she could not open her mouth.

Sturton, 36, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the dog by beating.

His solicitor, Ann Blyth-Cook, said: "He was extremely drunk and cannot explain his actions.

"He was feeling very stressed and was having some difficulties with the complainants."

Mrs Blyth-Cook pleaded with the magistrates not to permanently deprive her client of his pet, saying he was very fond of the dog.

However, the magistrates did not want to give the dog back to Sturton.

They asked RSPCA inspector Peter Scott to give evidence as to what will happen to the dog.

He said: "The dog is currently in kennels and was checked over. She has made a 90 per cent recovery and is expected to make a 100 per cent recovery.

"If a dog is rehomed then the RPSCA checks out prospective homes properly."

Magistrates ordered the dog to be put into RSPCA care, banned Sturton for keeping a dog for a year, fined him £150 and ordered him to pay £55 costs and £129 compensation towards vet bills.

Ripley is now being cared for at a "safe house" kennels.

Anyone interested in providing a new home for Ripley can contact the RSPCA rehoming line on 01702 522550.

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