Every time his master called him, loyal Benny returned to his side, only to be kicked and punched again and again.

The vicious beating delivered by Gary Stockford, in Dartford town centre, lasted 45 minutes, prompting several disgusted shoppers to call the police.

Today the 42-year-old, of Keary Road, Swanscombe, has has been disqualified from keeping animals for five years and given a suspended prison sentence Medway Magistrates’ Court, after admitting to failing to protect his dog.

As well as the animal ban, he was given a 12 week custodial sentence, suspended for 24 months, and ordered to pay victim surcharge of £80, vet fees of £763.55 and £400 prosecution costs.

Several witnesses called police after they saw Stockford attack his dog near to the Orchard Theatre in July.

RSPCA inspector Vikki Dawe said: “Witnesses saw Benny being repeatedly hit and kicked, in vicious bursts, over a period of about 45 minutes.

“They said the poor dog kept coming back to the defendant when he was called, only to be attacked all over again. They were so distressed by what they saw they called us.

“It is totally unacceptable to be violent in this way towards an animal. Benny showed clear signs of submission and distress.

“Thanks also must go to the witnesses who were brave enough to agree to give evidence so Benny’s owner could be prosecuted.”