A DOG died in agony days after being kicked in anger by a babysitter - because its owner didn't want to pay a call-out fee for a vet.
RSPCA vet Dr Gregory Firth told Sheffield magistrates the ruptured bladder suffered by three-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier Diesel was "usually encountered by animals that have suffered road accidents".
He said Diesel, who was poisoned by his own urine, "would have suffered immensely".
The court heard the pet sustained the injury through a single kick from Gareth Roulson, who was babysitting for owner Ian Harrison and his estranged wife Stacey Harrison last October, at Stacey's home in Manor Oaks Road, Wybourn, Sheffield.
Brian Orsborn, prosecuting, said: "One of the children opened the door to the kitchen where there was a cat, and the dog went inside. Roulson was concerned about what might happen.
"He went in, picked the dog up, and it bit him on the nose. Roulson was very angry, dropped the dog, and kicked it in the rear end."
When the Harrisons returned, Ian was told what had happened but the court heard although Diesel was walking with a limp, he thought the dog was "just bruised" so he took no further action.
Diesel's condition worsened two nights later when Harrison found the dog "very lethargic" and refusing to eat, the court heard.
Mr Orsborn said: "Harrison stayed up with Diesel until 3am but didn't seek assistance because he didn't want to pay a vet's call-out fee."
It was not until the third day - by which time Diesel had been sick and collapsed - that Harrison finally took him to the animal charity PDSA hospital in Attercliffe, where he died.
Roulson, aged 19, and Harrison, 26, now living in Reading, Berkshire, both admitted causing unnecessary suffering.
When interviewed by RSPCA Inspector Graeme Petty, Roulson, who was wearing socks but no shoes when he kicked Diesel, said he wanted to "teach the dog a lesson". He added: "I should not have acted the way I did."
Harrison also admitted he did not do all he could to save Diesel.
Both men attended the hearing in expensive trainers and clothing - Roulson wore an Armani Jeans T-shirt and £100 G-Star jeans, and could be heard bragging outside court about his latest £100 Nike footwear - but the court was told they would struggle to pay any fines.
Roulson, of Winn Drive, Winn Gardens, who has previous convictions for affray, racially aggravated threatening behaviour, criminal damage and shoplifting, owes £920 in outstanding fines.
Although he has a job the teenager - who was accompanied to court by his mum - has not started clearing his debt even though the court asked him to begin repaying £5 a week in May.
The court heard Harrison had his benefits cut to just £80 a month in disability allowance because he has not returned an overpayment.
Magistrates adjourned the case for reports, indicating both men are likely to be handed community service sentences.
They also recommended Roulson be considered for anger management courses.
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