December 2004 -

A man who shot a greyhound and cut off its ears has been jailed for 6 months and banned from keeping animals for life.

Greyhound track groundsman Andrew Gough was sentenced by magistrates in Caerphilly, south Wales, after he was convicted of cruelty to Last Hope.

The dog was put down after an offence magistrates said was "totally unacceptable in a civilised society".

Gough, 28, from Tir-y-berth, Rhymney Valley, plans to appeal.

Rod Smith, defending, said Gough was adamant he was not responsible for the dog's death.

The court heard that Gough shot the greyhound in the head with a retractable bolt gun and cut his ears off. He also suffered injuries to his shoulder.

The dog had been dumped the day before it was found on Fochriw mountain, Rhymney Valley, on 2 May.

Two people walking their dogs discovered the injured animal. The dog, also known as Charlie, had to be put destroyed after being looked at by a vet.

Victor Watkins, chairman of the bench, said: "This was deliberate and odious attack on a vulnerable dog, to end its life, and to render its identity unrecognisable.

"Charlie clearly endured lengthy suffering in the failed attempt to take his life. This was carried out to such a shocking degree that it's totally unacceptable in a civilised society."

Gough had been convicted last month in his absence and magistrates refused a submission to reopen the case to hear more evidence.

At the earlier hearing, magistrates were told that the dog's ears were sliced off because identity tattoos would have led to him being traced.

The court had been told that the greyhound's owner had allegedly paid £10 to have the Irish-bred dog destroyed by Gough.

He had promised that he would "humanely put down" the dog and bury him in lime on a farm.