Punched dog rescued by Milton Keynes police officers

CCTV operators at the Centre: MK saw the dog being dragged and punched - and alerted police

A dog was seized by police after a man was spotted on CCTV punching and dragging it through a shopping centre.

Police were called to Centre: MK in Milton Keynes and arrested a man at about 12:45 GMT on Monday.

The 42-year-old pleaded guilty to an animal cruelty charge at Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court.

The dog became "a much loved temporary addition" to the neighbourhood policing team's office, where he was given "as many tasty snacks as possible".

PC da Silva Melo and PC Coates seized the dog and took him back to their office

Police were called to the shopping centre by CCTV operators who saw the man lift his dog in the air by his collar, dragging it about 10m (32ft) and throwing it to the ground, before punching him 10 times in the head and face.

PC da Silva Melo and PC Coates reviewed the footage and saw "a sustained assault" of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier-type dog and arrested his owner.

Thames Valley Police said after the dog was seized, he was examined by vets.

He proved a popular guest and officers gave him lots of snacks

They added: "He was given the kind of care and affection he deserves by the Central Milton Keynes Neighbourhood Policing Team, along with as many tasty snacks as possible.

"It is safe to say he will be missed by officers and was a much loved temporary addition to the office."

The dog will be looked after at kennels ahead of a rehoming process.

His former owner pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and has been bailed for sentence at a later date.

It is hoped he will find a new, permanent home after he has been looked after at a kennels