A DOG owner has been hit with £2,335 in court fees for failing to protect the animal from pain, suffering and disease.

Daniel John William Brockley, 30, of Frogwell Lane, Skilgate, was found guilty of three charges of permitting his Patterdale Terrier called Rock to work underground knowing there was risk it could be injured.

Brockley pleaded not guilty to all three counts, but the bench at Taunton Magistrates' Court last Thursday found against him.

The incidents, which were in breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, occurred in Skilgate on January 18 and 19 May, 2017, and on January 30 this year, the court heard.

Brockley was given a community order and ordered to pay £2,250 in costs, with a £85 victim surcharge.

He must also carry out 140 hours unpaid work in the community.

But the magistrates decided against banning him from keeping animals as he has had many dogs in the past, Rock was otherwise kept well and well loved, and a ban would lead to him losing his livelihood and accommodation.