Man jailed for kicking police dog during arrest

A man who repeatedly kicked a police dog and spat at its handler while being arrested has been jailed.

James Strain, from Bradford, assaulted Police Dog Zero and PC Roxy Cramp in Bingley town centre on 28 November, Leeds Magistrates' Court heard.

The 38-year-old, of Holme Bank Close, was jailed for 10 weeks after being found guilty of assault with intent to resist arrest and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

"Thankfully PD Zero wasn't seriously injured and continues to help keep communities safe with his unwavering loyalty and bravery," said Ch Insp James Farrar from West Yorkshire Police's Dog Unit.

According to police, Strain was being "aggressive" and making threats outside a shop on Chapel Lane prior to being detained.

He spat at PC Cramp when she tried to handcuff him before kicking PD Zero in the head and chest.

Farrar said the "sustained attack" was "completely unacceptable".

He said "We take the welfare of our working animals extremely seriously and, as with our officers, none of them deserve to be assaulted in the line of duty."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.