THE RSPCA has said that it was shocked by the "torture" that convicted dog-killer James Cooper subjected to two family pets.

Cooper, of Severn Avenue, Greenmeadow, appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday after admitting two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to two whippets.

The 23-year-old pleaded guilty to the torrent of violence on six-year-old Millie, who suffered blunt force trauma and went on to die as a result, months after he hit another whippet-like dog, called Tinkerbelle.

Speaking after Cooper was given a suspended jail sentence and was banned from owning an animal for life John Atkinson, chief inspector at the RSPCA, said: “We are shocked at how such a thing could happen to two family pets.

“This is an unusual case in that we have two animals where the defendant has pleaded guilty to a catalogue of, what the judge said was, torture.

“If anyone has any suspicions or concerns then they should report them right away.

“We are pleased with the disqualification for life which will safeguard animals in the future.”

The court had heard Cooper and his girlfriend Katie Gardiner were looking after three-year-old Tinkerbelle for her step-mum, Carly Young, when the attacks happened.

In the weeks that followed Tinkerbelle suffered a human bite wound as well as injuries to her tail, which has since had to be amputated. She is now recovering.

After Cooper was convicted earlier this year the RSPCA dropped the charges against his girlfriend Katie Gardiner, also 23, who denied the allegations.

District Judge Simon Cooper imposed a 12-week consecutive prison sentence for each offence to be suspended for two years.

He said: “Tinkerbelle made at least five visits to the vet for treatment while in your care and from that, examinations revealed that she had been severely beaten, suffering fractured ribs and a human bite wound and the effect on her was akin, in my judgement, to torture.

“I agree with the RSPCA that it is a difficult and disturbing case. You gave a variety of explanations for these offences but, in fact, you finally accepted your responsibility.

“This case has rumbled on for nine months due to your inability to accept your responsibility.

“I have come to the decision that an immediate prison sentence would utterly destroy you. What you did was vicious and savage but little would be achieved in the long run by sending you into custody.”

James Cooper must also carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and was handed a lifetime disqualification of owning, keeping or in any way being responsible for an animal. He must pay RSPCA’s court costs of £1,000 as well as £115 towards victim services