A TENANT says his life has been “ripped apart” after he was forced to give up his beloved pet dog to avoid eviction.

Anthony Cotter handed back Doberman-German Shepherd cross Charlie to the Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary after his lawyers warned him he could be left homeless by a court case brought against him by Oxford City Council.

Mr Cotter, of Riverside Court, Oxford, was sent a repossession order for his flat in December, after neighbours claimed Charlie barked too much.

But fellow tenants leapt to his support, saying the dog was well-cared for and never caused problems.

The 41-year-old gave up his pet on Thursday, just 24 hours before Oxford County Court heard the civil case brought by the council.

Mr Cotter said: “Every morning when I get up, I’m still reaching for the lead.

“I’ve very distraught, and my life’s been ripped apart.”

He added: “I’ve been crying quite a lot, but my solicitor told me that giving him up was the only chance of keeping my home.”

The council was unavailable for comment yesterday, but said earlier that only a small or medium-sized dog would be suitable for the flat.

At the county court on Friday, the council was granted the right to evict Mr Cotter if he refused to allow officials into his flat at any point in the next two years.