A lawyer for a man who repeatedly bashed a dog and hung it on a clothesline has urged an Adelaide court not to jail her client.

Hally Jade James French, 21, pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated animal cruelty after committing the offence in December 2011.

The Adelaide Magistrates Court heard he used a large wooden stick, similar to a broom handle, to repeatedly beat a dog and then hung the animal on a washing line.

Police and RSPCA inspectors were called to the house and the dog was taken to an emergency veterinary clinic where he was treated for two fractured ribs, bruised lungs and chest and head trauma.

The dog, called Buddy, made a full recovery after treatment.

French's lawyer, Amanda Lambden, told Magistrate Paul Foley jail was not the answer for her client.

She said the dog was one of two Jack Russell terriers left in her client's care and belonged to his brother's girlfriend.

Ms Lambden said French was struggling to cope with the responsibility because of his dysfunctional and abusive childhood.

'Explosive outburst'

Ms Lambden said French was placed in more than 40 different foster homes and lacked empathy because he was never taught the life skills he needed.

"This young man has been let down throughout his life in many ways from the time he was born," Ms Lambden said.

"He found it quite difficult to nurture and care for these animals. It sadly ended by him, in his words, getting completely 'off his face'.

"His inability to cope with the stress resulted in an explosive outburst of violence against the dog."

She told the court when questioned by a forensic psychiatrist about the incident, French showed remorse for his actions.

"He knows that he has done the wrong thing, he is a very damaged young man," she said.

The dog called Buddy recovers at a vet clinic. ( RSPCA )

Ms Lambden said a suspended sentence and a bond would be an appropriate punishment because her client needed supervision and support.

The prosecution told the court a prison sentence was warranted, and that parliament and the community expected appropriate punishments for such cases.

The maximum penalties for an aggravated offence of mistreating an animal are a fine of $50,000 or imprisonment for up to four years.

Mr Foley said it was a reasonably difficult issue and he wanted some time to think about the sentence he would impose.

French was remanded on continuing bail to return to court on April 26 for sentencing.