A MAN will be sentenced next month after being convicted of shooting a dog multiple times before dumping it in a bush.

Simon Hancock had denied shooting the Lakeland Terrier in the head with an air riffle four times, in an attempt to destroy the animal.

However, appearing before Southampton Magistrates’ Court last week, the 36-year-old was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to the dog.

During a previous hearing at the magistrates court, the RSPCA alleged Hancock had attempted to euthanise the dog, named Jet, after the dog apparently bit the daughter of his ex-partner.

Matthew Knight, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, told the court that Hancock shot the dog four times in the head with an air rifle.

The dog was found five days later in a bush near Alton.

Mr Knight said that dog was “suffering” when it was found on July 16 last year.

The RSPCA said that Jet had survived and is “doing great”.

Hancock claimed the dog had been given to a friend, who he said carried out the act. The RSPCA said the friend could not be located.

Hancock, of Terrier Close, Hedge End, will next appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on June 11, where he will be sentenced.