Man denies causing dog suffering

The dog was found dead and tied to a fence on 13 March

A man has denied animal cruelty charges after a dead dog was found tied to a fence in the Angus countryside.

Joseph Rizza, 49, from Brechin pleaded not guilty to abandoning the dog and causing it unnecessary suffering when he appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court.

The female Rhodesian ridgeback rottweiler cross was discovered, starved and dehydrated on the Kinnaird Park Estate, near Brechin, in March.

Mr Rizza was released on bail and will stand trial later in the year.