A CRUEL dog owner who broke his puppy's leg by throwing her down a flight of stairs has been banned from owning animals for six years.

Robert Thompson, from Larkhall, in Lanarkshire, admitted causing the 18-week-old 
Staffordshire bull terrier puppy unnecessary suffering.

The 22-year-old was sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court yesterday.

As well as being banned from keeping pets for six years, Thompson was given a deprivation order, meaning his dog, Cheeka, will not be returned to his care.

He was also sentenced to 150 hours' community service.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Sam McDonald said: "When questioned, Thompson said he lost his temper because he woke to find Cheeka had toileted inside her cage in the house.

"He told her to do the toilet outside and threw her towards the door, at which point she hit the door frame and fell down the stairs, breaking one of her front legs.

"This was a shameful act of violence against a defenceless puppy."

Thompson had previously pled guilty to causing the pup unnecessary suffering, an offence 
under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Yesterday's sentence was the result of the of an Scottish SPCA investigation.

Inspector McDonald, added: "While we welcome the six year ban given to Thompson, in 
our opinion, a life ban would have been an appropriate punishment.

"We believe he is completely unfit to provide animals with the care they deserve.

"We are pleased that as a result of our investigation Cheeka will not be returned to Thompson and we can now find her a loving new home."

rebecca.gray@eveningtimes.co.uk