TWO men have admitted animal cruelty offences after a dog with a nail hammered into its head was found buried alive in woodlands .
The RSPCA confirmed the dog, Scamp, was found by walkers in the Kirkleatham Woods last october.
16 year old Scamp was found groaning in agony and pain in a shallow grave in the woods.
Richard Finch, and Michael Heathcock both from Redcar admitted charges attributing to Scamps death, in Court on Wednesday.
Heathcock has pleaded guilty to forcing a nail into Scamp’s tiny skull as well as failing to provide simple care and attention from a Vet for the dog.
The disgusting pairs reasons….
Both men, if they can be called that, told the police that that Scamp was deaf, blind and with use of his back legs and the both felt it was “the right thing to do”.
Heathcock told officers because the dog was incontinent his house “had started to smell” and “something had to be done”.
On 21st October the pair handed themselves in after the story hit facebook and national newspapers.
Mr Ellwood said: “They decided to take the dog to Kirkleatham Woods and took a claw hammer and nail.
They hatched the plot to kill Scamp in October to avoid paying the around £200 to have him put down.
“They agreed Mr Heathcock will drive a nail into the dog’s skull.”
Heathcock admitted to killing his pet of 16 years, while his friend Finch was on look out.
It was claimed in court that they didnt intend to cause scamp any suffering.
The case has been adjourned until March 1.
Both men were granted bail.
