A Newsome man has appeared in court accused of killing a dog with an axe.

Kevin Dixon, of Castle Avenue, was before Kirklees Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Mon).

He is charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal by killing it in an inappropriate and inhumane manner.

Dixon, 35, is further charged with failing to ensure that the pet was protected from pain and suffering.

He is alleged to have killed the Akita-type dog named Tempa in the Newsome area on May 16.

The Huddersfield court heard that Dixon is alleged to have struck the dog a number of times to the neck with an axe.

Dixon’s trial will take place on February 23 and he was granted unconditional bail.