Two jailed after dog buried alive with nail through head

Two men have been jailed for four months after a dog was found buried alive in woodlands with a nail through its head.

Terrier Scamp was found under a mound of mud in Kirkleatham Woods near Redcar, North Yorkshire in October last year by a couple out walking.

The animal was later put down by vets to relieve its suffering.

Richard Finch, 60, of Geneva Drive, Redcar, and Michael Heathcock, 59, Ontario Crescent, Redcar, admitted animal cruelty at Teesside Magistrates' Court.

The court heard they buried the dog alive after its owner Heathcock became upset when Scamp became blind and incontinent.

Finch suggested the dog be put down - but Heathcock said the vets bill would be too high.

Heathcock pleaded guilty to driving a nail into Scamp’s skull, as well as failing to provide veterinary care and attention to the dog.

The pair have been banned from keeping animals for life.

Animal rights campaigners were protesting outside the court with banners saying "SOS justice for Scamp."

When the dog was discovered in the woods back in October, the RSPCA described it as an "act of horrific cruelty".