A PENSIONER was banned from keeping dogs for 10 years and fined £1,000 after being found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog.

Walford Raymond Rogers, 72, of Bevan Lane, Cwmbran, was also found guilty of possessing and using an illegal animal trap; and breaching an order made by a previous judge restricting the number of dogs he could keep.

He denied all charges when he appeared at Newport magistrates court. Dorothy May, chairwoman of the bench, disqualified Rogers from having custody of or having any dogs for a period of ten years from November 12 this year.

Mrs May said: "Having regard to all the evidence I can say beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Rogers had the trap in his possession for an unlawful purpose and used the spring trap for the purpose of killing or taking animals."

The court heard that in November 2003 Rogers had 47 dogs - including nine puppies - on his land, despite a court order restricting him to 15. One lurcher bitch, about 15 years old, which was found on his property died shortly after being taken away by the RSPCA.

Vets were unable to establish cause of death. Mrs May said Mr Rogers was of the opinion that the dog was old and he was just going to let nature take its course.

She said: "He did cause unnecessary suffering to the dog by not providing it with proper care and attention."

RSPCA Inspector Nicola Johnson said after the case: "I am very pleased that this matter has come to a conclusion after a long delay and I am very pleased with the outcome."