A mum is to stand trial accused of throwing her pet dog to its death.

Kayleigh Smee, 33, from Rochester, has denied causing the chihuahua, called Prince, unnecessary suffering on December 10 last year.

She has also denied a second charge of failing to protect the dog from harm, brought under the Animal Welfare Act.

Smee was given bail at a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court when no lawyer from the RSPCA, which has brought the charges, was present.

The animal is believed to have died after being thrown 30ft from a block of flats.

The tiny eight-year-old pet was believed to have broken his neck in the fall.

The trial has been scheduled for May 29.