against allegations of cruelty to a puppy.

Ronald Paynter, 29, of Parson's Road, denies that he deliberately dropped his three-month-old dog, Zebra, just under a year ago.

But prosecution witness Sarah Cook claims Paynter dropped the dog twice and that she tried to buy it off him to prevent any further cruelty.

Cook said she had been riding past Fagan's Alley along Front Street when she saw Paynter pick the dog up and drop it from waist height on its head.

She said: "I went back and saw the gentleman and the dog in Fagan's Alley. I asked him if he would sell the dog to me. I wanted to get the dog away from him. I accused him of being cruel.

"He grabbed the dog again by its back, lifted it up waist high and dropped it again. It lay there on the floor shaking.'' Cook said she spotted a dog warden driving along Front Street and hailed him.

He stopped to check out the situation.

Assistant Dog Warden, Mr. Jeffrey Benevides said that he stopped and saw the dog behind Paynter. He said the dog was cowering away as though it was afraid.

The Police arrived five minutes later and instructed Mr. Benevides to take the dog to the dog pound, where it has been ever since.

Paynter said he had been training the dog which was to be a Christmas present to his nephew and niece.

He denies dropping the dog. He said: "Two ladies came up to me and were petting Zebra wanting to lift him up. He was shaking and nervous because of them.

"The one of the ladies asked me if I wanted to sell him. She was nagging me asking me for the dog, but I did not want to sell him.'' Prosecuting Sgt. Peter Giles said: "You are saying that this woman wanted the dog, and because you would not sell it she has made up this case and come to court.'' Paynter replied: "Yes, I am sure.'' Magistrate the Wor. John Judge adjourned the case allowing Paynter time to get his five witnesses together for next Monday.