Last updated at 12:56, Friday, 14 September 2012

Two men and three teenagers will go on trial accused of animal cruelty after cats were set up by lurcher dogs in Workington.

Daniel James Porter, 18, of Eskdale Crescent ,and Jamie Atkinson, 19, of Minster Close, a 17-year-old and two 15-year-old boys, have been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal under the Animal Welfare Act.

They pleaded not guilty at West Cumbria Magistrates Court this morning, and bailed on condition they are not in custody or control of a dog or cat in a public place.

Police joined forces with the RSPCA to investigate after a number of cats were attacked and at least one was killed by lurcher dogs in the Workington area in June.

The case was adjourned until December 10.
 

First published at 12:46, Friday, 14 September 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk