A DOG owner who said he loved animals, and claimed he cried when watching them on TV shows, has been convicted of kicking and punching his pet pooch.

Richard Richardson was banned from keeping animals for three years after being convicted following a trial at Bolton Magistrates Court.

He was caught on camera by concerned neighbours who heard the female German Shepherd, named Pira, yelping and screaming.

They said Richardson attacked the dog in his back yard for more than five minutes and threw a stick at it which made it run away in fear.

The girl, who filmed the 90-second video, and her mother, who called the RSPCA, gave evidence behind a screen — and the video was played in court.

They admitted that their view was obscured and could not actually see the punching or kicking, but said that they knew it was happening because the yelps of the dog corresponded.

Richardson, of St Helens Road, had claimed that he was using a ball to play with Pira, and that the dog was making the noises because it was “excited”.

But the court was told that later in the afternoon Richardson’s neighbours also spotted him “stabbing” and “poking” the dog about 10 times with the broom.

RSPCA Inspector Victoria McDonald, who gave evidence at the one-day trial yesterday, later attended the house with police officers and told Richardson of the complaint.

She told the court that the dog appeared to be “cowering” from Richardson when she arrived, and that she heard Richardson’s mother Carol who was also present say: “I know they are right. I thought that dog was scared of you.”

The court heard that no physical injury was found in an examination by a vet three days after the incident, on September 21 last year.

Expert vet Sean Taylor, who gave evidence for the RSPCA, said that it was common that injuries could have healed within a three-day period, and said that the dog was judged to be a healthy weight.

However, district judge Tim Spruce was convinced that the dog was not being protected from pain or suffering, and said he was “in no doubt at all” that Richardson should be convicted.

He said: “The explanation given by Mr Richardson that he was throwing a soft ball around his garden, playing with the dog and causing no suffering is completely incredible.”

Giving evidence, Richardson admitted to the court that he swore at the dog, but denied ever kicking or punching it.

He also said that he became emotional whenever he watched ITV show For the Love of Dogs, which is presented by Paul O’Grady.

He said: “I never would have done that. I love animals. I probably just kicked a ball or something like that.”

“I am in bits whenever I watch Paul O’Grady’s dogs show.”

Richardson, aged 40, was found guilty of one count of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

The dog has since been re-homed and is said to be doing well.

Richardson was sentenced to a community order and a curfew, as well as a £60 victim surcharge and £140 costs.

The court also ordered any cats in Richardson's possession to be forfeited.