AN unemployed disc jockey yesterday admitted he did not seek veterinary treatment for his dog's broken leg, when he appeared before magistrates.

Kevin Leonard Walls, 30, of Geneva Road, Darlington, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Kitts, an Alsatian cross-breed.

Walls admitted causing suffering to his pet, who has since been rehomed by the RSPCA, by not seeking medical help after it was clipped by a car wheel.

An RSPCA inspector visited Mr Walls' home, in October last year, after a call from someone concerned about the welfare of three dogs in the garden.

Magistrates at Bishop Auckland heard that the inspector was particularly concerned about the Alsatian cross because its left foreleg appeared badly swollen.

After the visit, a veterinary surgeon confirmed the dog had broken two bones in its leg.

The break was believed to have been two to five days old because of the severe swelling and pain the dog appeared to be in, though Walls disputes that estimate and said that the accident happened about 24 hours before the dog was seized.

It received £1,700 of treatment through the RSPCA and was now doing well with new owners, the court heard.

Sentencing was adjourned to Darlington Magistrates' Court on November 6, for reports.