A FIVE year ban for allowing a dog to suffer injuries including knife cuts has been handed out to a London Colney man. Lee Turner, 24, of Coombes Road, was sentenced yesterday after admitting failing to take reasonable steps to prevent unnecessary sufferi

A FIVE year ban for allowing a dog to suffer injuries including knife cuts has been handed out to a London Colney man.

Lee Turner, 24, of Coombes Road, was sentenced yesterday after admitting failing to take reasonable steps to prevent unnecessary suffering being caused to a dog.

The RSPCA brought the case after Major, a brindle bull mastiff-type dog was found straying in a park near Luton last year.

A member of the public picked him up because the dog had a large slash wound on his front left leg as well as another cut on the side of his body.

Luton Magistrates Court heard last week that when Major was examined by a vet, he was found to have a lump in his head, bruising to his body and untreated mange as well as the cuts.

The vet said the cuts had probably been caused by a knife.

The dog had a microchip which was registered to Turner. He said in mitigation that he had not seen Major for three to four weeks after giving him away.

Turner was banned from keeping, dealing in and transporting animals for five years and also ordered to do 127 hours of community service and pay �450 in costs.

RSPCA inspector Peter Warne said after the sentencing: "The case sends out a clear message that owners cannot just give away their pets and absolve themselves of responsibility. If you fail to ensure your animal's needs are properly met then you could face prosecution."

Despite his ordeal, Major is a happy and friendly dog who now has a loving new home.