A MAN has denied punching and force-feeding a dog.

Graham Thomas, of Templar Road, Oxford was at Oxfordshire Magistrates’ Court on Monday to deny the attack on the Basset Hound named Bertie.

Thomas, 51, is alleged to have caused unnecessary suffering to the protected animal by punching and force feeding it in the Summertown area of Oxford.

The offence is alleged to have taken place on May 23 last year.

Thomas pleaded not guilty and his trial will be prepared at the magistrates’ court on March 28.

He was released on unconditional bail.