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A man who cut his dog’s ears off has been sent to prison.

The court heard that Christopher Matthew Griffiths had used a pliers type implement to carry out the procedure.

The RSPCA rescued Victor the dog and emergency vets found that the animal tested positive for cocaine.

The 35-year-old of Bridge Street, Southsea, Wrexham , attended Wrexham Magistrates’ Court for sentencing after being convicted of animal welfare offences at a trial in May.

He was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering and carrying out a prohibited procedure to Victor, a tan male Staffordshire bull terrier type dog.

Griffiths was handed a 24 week prison sentence, was disqualified from keeping dogs for 10 years and was given a 12 month probation order.

Victor’s ears did heal and is now up for rehoming by the RSPCA.

Following the sentencing, RSPCA inspector Kia Thomas said: “When I first saw Victor I was just so shocked as his ears were gaping open wounds. I had never seen anything quite like it before.

“It must have been so painful for him. It was just so heartbreaking. It is awful to imagine what poor Victor went through. It was totally unnecessary.”

Inspector Thomas added: “Since Victor has been in our care he has been doing so well. He is an adorable dog with a lot of love to give. He loves nothing more than to be in your company and loves a cwtch on the sofa. He is now up for rehoming and we hope he will find his forever home soon.”