A west Oxfordshire man has pleaded not guilty to keeping a place for dog fights and causing suffering to animals.

Ian Draper, 40, of Walker's Close, Asthall, near Burford, appeared before Witney Magistrates' Court yesterday where he denied offences including causing suffering to a dog by permitting it to fight, keeping a place for fighting and possessing 10 pit bull terriers -- a banned breed.

His father, Martin Draper, 66, of the New Inn pub, Burford Road, Minster Lovell, also appeared in court. He pleaded not guilty to one charge of permitting a place to be used for dog fighting.

The charges relate to events in November and December last year.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-trial review on September 21 and granted both men unconditional bail.