A COUPLE from Paddock Wood, whose sick dog had to be put down, have denied causing the animal unnecessary suffering.

Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court heard how Jeremy Corkery brought his boxer bitch to a veterinary surgery on January 25, where it collapsed and was put down.

Mr Corkery and his wife, Deborah, of Fuggles Close, claimed the dog had been sick for only a few days but the vet estimated it had been suffering for about two weeks and contacted the RSPCA.

The couple, who have since separated, pleaded not guilty to causing an animal to suffer or failing to take reasonable steps to prevent that happening.

The defence asked for an adjournment because expert witnesses, including a dog breeder and psychologist, would need to be called to give evidence.

Alan Sheppard, Chairman of the Bench, agreed to adjourn the case until November 3.