Warning: Video footage may cause distress

A MAN from Newbury has been jailed for punching his dog repeatedly.

Robert Black, 51, of Parsons Close, was found guilty of one count of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 12.

On December 21 2018, Black was seen on CCTV punching his dog five times in Victoria Park in Newbury.

READ MORE: Reading comes fourth in 'hardest-working places'

He then put the dog on a lead and walked off through the park.

The incident was reported to police, who carried out an area search before locating Black and arresting him, as well as seizing both his dogs under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The dog was not injured during the incident, and both of dogs have since been rehomed.

Black was sentenced to a total of 23 weeks’ imprisonment and made to pay a £115 victim surcharge.

He has also been banned from owning animals for 10 years.

Investigating officer, PC David Burleigh, based at Abingdon police station, said: “Black demonstrated significant cruelty to his dog by punching it several times in the face, with no concern for its welfare.

“This behaviour is clearly totally unacceptable for a pet owner and I am pleased that not only has he received a prison sentence for his actions, but that he has been banned from owning animals for the next 10 years.

“We take reports such as these seriously and will look to investigate and take action against anyone who carries out this type of offence.”