A MAN who almost killed his dog in ‘a nasty and distressing attack’, has been disqualified from keeping animals for five years.

Stephen Smith, 20, flew into a rage after getting lost in the woods whilst walking his dogs Trixie and Max, on December 5, 2009, Bournemouth Magistrates Court heard.

Prosecutor Matthew Knight said that Smith began hurling large pieces of wood at nine-month-old lurcher cross Trixie after she ran and hid in a gorse bush.

Trixie was struck on the head causing a tennis-ball sized lump and dragged from the bush causing her cuts and grazes. She was tied to Max and dragged along behind him for some distance.

Smith then decided to carry the dog, but whenever he came to a fence he would throw her over it.

Eventually Trixie was left badly injured on a pile of straw while Smith took Max back to his home in Anncott Close, Lytchett Matravers.

He later returned and carried the semi-conscious dog home. He did nothing for the dog apart from offering her a piece of cheese said Mr Knight.

Smith’s horrified housemates alerted the RSPCA.

Trixie was given emergency treatment and spent a further four days at a veterinary hospital said Mr Knight.

Vet Martine Smid-Weevers said in a statement to the court that Trixie ‘could have died from her injuries’.

Smith, now of Victoria Road, Ferndown, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog.

Defence, Harvey Withecombe, said that Smith had mental health issues compounded by cannabis use, which makes him ‘extremely anxious’.

Since the incident Smith’s mother has paid for him to attend the Providence Project, which is helping to break his drug habit.

He is remorseful for his actions, added Mr Withecombe.

District Judge, Timothy Pattinson imposed a two-year conditional discharge and ordered Smith to pay £400 costs.

Trixie has since made a full recovery and been found a new home, said RSPCA inspector Graham Hammond.