A CONVICTED dangerous dog owner has been sent to jail for a second time.

Anthony Richard Green, 35, pleaded guilty to four charges linked to the possession of a dangerous dog, breaching a banning order to own animals and failing to meet their needs for a suitable diet and environment.

Green, of Riddings Rise, Deighton, had been given a two-month jail sentence back in October 2005 and banned from keeping dogs for 10 years.

But the RSPCA, who brought the prosecution, told Kirklees magistrates yesterday that a visit to Green’s address on June 1 last year uncovered a Pit Bull Terrier – banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Officers also found two cockerels living in squalid conditions.

RSPCA Inspector Emma Brook who attended the property said the Pit Bull was found severely underweight and had extensive scars.

But the court heard the charges brought did not link the defendant to dog fighting.

Prosecutor Andrew Davidson said the cockerels were found in a makeshift coop in filthy and dirty conditions with no food provision.

The defendant was at home when the RSPCA and police called at the house and he was arrested.

Mr Robert Campbell, representing Green, gave lengthy submissions saying his client only took on responsibility for the animals after a friend could no longer look after them.

The magistrates were shown a DVD of the poor conditions in a rear yard of the house before retiring to consider sentence.

Magistrate Vincent Reynolds told Green he would deal with the matters in order of seriousness.

He said: “With regard to dangerous dog possession, which is the most serious offence, we have considered this offence is so serious only a custodial sentence can be justified.

“You also have a previous conviction for possession of a dangerous dog, and irrespective of your reasons, you should have been aware you were banned for 10 years.

“With regard to disqualification you will be banned from owning, keeping, participating in care or influencing the care of any animals for 12 years.

“This includes dealing in animals and transporting animals.

“You cannot apply for this to be lifted for at least five years.”

He sentenced Green to 10 weeks in custody taking into account his guilty plea on the day of trial.

But Mr Reynolds permitted Green to continue to care for his pigeons which RSPCA officers found in a good condition.

Magistrates ordered a deprivation and disposal order for the cockerels and seizure but not destruction of the Pit Bull.

RSPCA officers said after the case that the Pit Bull, although a dangerous dog under the act, had not shown signs of aggression or violence in the 13 months since it was removed and could be re-homed.