A MAN has been stripped of his right to keep a pet or help look after an animal for two years after he made his dog subject to a month of torment.

Martin Peter Edwards, of Blackbird Leys Road in Oxford, was found guilty of letting his dog Terror suffer unnecessarily in his absence at Oxford Magistrates' Court on November 18.

He was found guilty of letting Terror suffer for a whole month between February 20 and March 20, earlier this year.

The court heard how he didn't take any reasonable steps to look after the cross-breed.

The 48-year-old was made subject of a community order and must get treatment for his drug dependency for at least six-months as a non-resident somewhere that can help him.

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Oxford Magistrates' Court will host monthly reviews of his progress from the new year.

He must also attend a rehabilitation activity with a responsible officer, and must participate in the activity given by the officer for a maximum of 15 days.

Edwards was also made to pay a victim surcharge of £85 as well as court costs of £40.

His dog Terror has been taken away from him and will be 'disposed of' – this could mean re-homed or put down.

Edwards is not allowed to keep any animal for two years.

He cannot own any animal, keep them or participate in keeping them.

He cannot be part of an arrangement under which he has some rights to control or influence the way in which the animal is kept or looked after.