A man who kicked his Staffie so hard it could no longer stand has been banned from keeping dogs for life.

Robbie Knight, 29, left terrified Zeus with bruising to his stomach after booting him in a vicious attack.

The dog’s left leg was also swollen to the point he could not put any weight on it.

Knight, of St John’s Crescent, Tyler Hill, Canterbury, was prosecuted today under the Animal Welfare Act.

He appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court and admitted one charge of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

"Hopefully he can now move on and get rehomed and be given a second chance in life...." - RSPCA inspector Rachel Leafe

He received a year-long community order and was told to do 120 hours of unpaid work for the community.

He was also disqualified from keeping dogs for life and made to pay costs of £1,000.

Zeus, who needed veterinary treatment for his injuries, is in the care of the RSPCA and awaiting a new home.

RSPCA inspector Rachel Leafe said: “After we received a complaint I was able to visit Zeus quickly and therefore saw the extent of his injuries. The kick had had a big impact on him.

“There is never any need to react to a dog in this way.

“Hopefully he can now move on and get rehomed and be given a second chance in life.

“He is a lovely dog with great markings and a brilliant personality so I’m sure someone will come forward to rehome him.”

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