TEENAGE boys who killed a six-month-old puppy while simulating wrestling moves on it, were banned from keeping animals by magistrates this week.

Black and white collie-cross Simba died of multiple injuries after the 16 and 17-year-old youths repeatedly jumped on the puppy while it was trapped underneath a mattress and then 'power bombed' it.

Chorley Youth Court also ordered the boys to pay £100 costs each and to work with the youth offenders team, after they had both admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the puppy in the Preston area last August.

The court heard on Monday how the teenagers, both from Preston, had been left looking after Simba while his owners were out.

They began wrestling with the pup in a bedroom before putting him under a mattress and jumping up and down on It.

Later they took Simba downstairs where he was thrown to the ground or 'power bombed' three times. In a statement a veterinary surgeon said that Simba had suffered pain and fear as a result of the severe physical assault.

The youths hid Simba in the garden after the attack, but later confessed to killing him. In their defence the teenagers told the court they had not meant to kill the puppy but had got 'carried away'.

Inspector Sarah Hill, who investigated the case, said: "This was a very disturbing case of deliberate cruelty. This young puppy suffered terribly in a sustained attack."

The RSPCA's North West education officer Sue Dawson added: "We are extremely disappointed to hear of this case. The RSPCA works hard to develop positive attitudes and respect for animals among young people.

"In the North West we have six education officers who go into schools to promote responsible pet ownership and highlight other animal welfare issues.

"It is very important that these two young people are now given the opportunity to review their attitudes to animals and that they are encouraged to develop empathy toward them."