A MAN who cut the tails and dewclaws off seven puppies without anaesthetic, claimed it would save them pain in their later life, a court has heard.

George Hunt, 43, of Jamieson Road, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty yesterday to causing unnecessary suffering and doctoring the Springer Spaniels when he was not a vet.

Hartlepool magistrates heard how RSPCA officer Garry Palmer visited Hunt's home on March 1 and was invited to look at the puppies and their mother.

Hunt told Mr Palmer that he had cut off the dog's tails and back toes - or dewclaws - and the animals were immediately taken to a vet.

Although the vet said the bitch and puppies were all right, four days later another vet examined the puppies and found their tail stumps infected.

The dogs were immediately taken to an RSPCA home to be cared for.

Neil Taylor, for the RSPCA, said: "This litter of puppies has been caused unnecessary suffering and surgery may be necessary in later life."

Since July 1993, it has been illegal for anyone, except a qualified vet, to doctor dogs' tails.

An expert in animal pain from Birmingham University was quoted in court by Mr Taylor.

He said: "There are very few, if any reasons for amputating puppies' tails and, unfortunately, many times it is reasons of fashion."

Mr Taylor went on to say there was evidence to suggest puppies' have a lower threshold for pain than adult dogs.

Judith Gowland, for Hunt, said the father-of-two did not believe at the time he had done anything wrong and did not think he had hurt the animals.

She said: "These dogs were to be working animals used when shooting to go into the bush.

"This kind of running through undergrowth can cause damage to the tails. For that reason it has been common practice to doctor their tails.

"He was not aware of the law that only vets could do it. If he had known this he would have taken them to a vet.

"He is extremely distressed and remorseful. He sincerely thought what he was doing would spare the dogs suffering when they entered their working lives."

The case was adjourned until July 24 for reports.