Claw hammer man sentenced for killing his dog in Kent

A man who beat his dog to death with a claw hammer has been banned from owning dogs for ten years.

Christopher Dance, 23, of Sittingbourne, struck his pet bull terrier with the weapon in May 2009.

The RSPCA prosecuted Dance for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal in his care.

Sittingbourne Magistrates gave Dance a two year community order, a six month curfew and ordered him to pay £750 costs.

RSPCA Ch Insp Dermot Murphy said: "It was a disturbing scene to deal with and a case that needed to be brought to court."