A MAN broke a puppy's leg when he stood on it and then failed to take it for immediate veterinary care - leaving it 'screaming and suffering', a court heard.

Kris Conroy broke the leg of a six-month-old brown American bulldog bitch known as Karma on December 22, 2019, leaving the animal in considerable pain, Weymouth Magistrates Court was told.

The court heard how the 38-year-old, of Brisbane Road, Weymouth, was on sleeping medication at the time, due to 'severe mental health issues', and stood on the puppy's leg in a 'dazed state'.

He pleaded guilty in court at the first opportunity to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Mitigating Iain Braizer said: "He accepts the dog should have been taken to the vet, and he's very apologetic about that.

"At that time he was suffering with severe mental health issues and malnutrition. He was not fit to look after himself let alone the dog."

The court heard how a week later, a neighbour called police after hearing the puppy 'screaming'.

Prosecuting for the RSPCA, Matthew Knight, said: "The police were called to [Conroy's] home after the dog was heard screaming. Police recommended he should take the dog to the vet. He did so within a 24-hour period.

"Dogs have similar pain thresholds to people. The lack of action left the dog in a state of considerable pain and suffering."

Mr Knight read a statement in court from the RPSCA inspector Marie Griffiths which said: "I have never seen such a traumatised dog."

The court heard how veterinary scans revealed the puppy's leg was broken.

The dog was seized by the RSPCA on January 8 last year and has been in boarding care with the charity since.

Probation officer Stephanie Walker told magistrates the puppy gave Conroy purpose and helped with his loneliness.

She said: "He has emotionally unstable personality disorder and Karma gave him purpose and helped with his loneliness.

"As a teenager he found his brother dead after a diabetic coma."

Chairman of the bench, Stephen Corben, banned Conroy from keeping or caring for any dog for an 18-month period.

He was also given a community order of 12 months and must attend 15 full-day sessions with a probation officer.

He must also pay a fine of £150, a victim surcharge of £90 and £60 court costs.

Following a court appearance Conroy said: "I was crate training her and she's very vocal.

"I was taking sleeping medication that day because of my insomnia and they make me dazed.

"I miss her. She was my company."