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Two men have admitted animal cruelty offences after a dog was found buried alive in woodlands with a nail hammered in its head.

The small, terrier dog - which the RSPCA have revealed is named ‘Scamp’ - was found by walkers at Kirkleatham Woods in Redcar in October.

Richard Finch, 60, of Geneva Drive, Redcar , and Michael Heathcock, 59, Ontario Crescent, Redcar, admitted charges relating to the dog’s death, brought by the RSPCA, at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Heathcock has pleaded guilty to driving a nail into Scamp’s skull as well as failing to provide veterinary care and attention to the dog.

His friend Finch has admitted assisting in the act.

John Ellwood, prosecuting for the RSPCA, warned the magistrates it was an “extremely distressing” case.

The court was told the vet who first saw the injured dog said it was the worst case of animal cruelty he had ever seen.

It was thought the number of blows used to killed the dog using the hammer and nail was about six.

The two men both told police the dog was blind, deaf and his back legs “had gone” and they felt it was “the right thing” to do.

They handed themselves in on October 21 after appeals made on social media and in the local and national press.

Mr Ellwood said: “They decided to take the dog to Kirkleatham Woods and took a claw hammer and nail.

“They agreed Mr Heathcock would drive a nail into the dog’s skull.”

The court was told Heathcock, who had owned the dog for 16 years, killed his pet while Finch kept watch.

Heathcock told officers the dog was incontinent and his house “had started to smell” and “something had to be done”.

He believed he had killed the dog before burying it, the court heard.

Finch persuaded his friend to kill Scamp, Mr Relton said.

Heathcock and Finch were “thoroughly ashamed” of their actions, the court heard.

Their intention was not to cause Scamp unnecessary suffering, it was claimed.

Heathcock, who walks with the aid of a stick, and Finch, have been told by the magistrates they require a report from the probation service.

The case has been adjourned until March 1. Both were granted unconditional bail.