A 'DOG lover' let a puppy suffer in agony for two weeks after an attempt to dock its tail left it infected, a court heard.

Lee Rainford, 26, of Leyland Road, Burnley, said to be a heavy drinker, knew the weeks old male Rottweiler was in pain, but did nothing about it, Burnley magistrates heard.

The pup was finally taken to a vet when police and an RSPCA inspector turned up Rainford's home, but the tail later had to be removed.

The defendant admitted causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, between June 13 and 18, last year and not taking reasonable steps to ensure it's needs were met, on or about last June 4. He was given a two month 8pm to 8am curfew, seven days a week and must pay £70 costs.

The justices also banned Rainford from owning or keeping animals for five years and his barrister announced Rainford would appeal the disqualification.

It is the second time in a month Rainford has appeared in court for breaking the laws of dog ownership.

Last December 19, he pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog which caused injury whilst dangerously out of control in public. He will be sentenced at the crown court on February 13, when the fate of the animal, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross, which could face destruction, will be decided.

Chris Wyatt, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said last June 18, police and the inspector found the black and tan pup in the living room at the defendant's home. It had three thin elastic bands around it's tail and two pieces of fabric elastic also tied tightly around the tail. The animal yelped when it's tail was touched.

Rainford claimed the binding was on the dog when he bought it for £120 from a couple outside a shop, who told him to leave it on and the tail would drop off.

The animal was taken to a vet who cut the bands away with a scalpel and the Rottweiler was given pain relief and antibiotics.

The animal was seen again on June 27, by which time the tail was hanging by a thread and had to be taken off. The vet stated the pup would have suffered considerably.