Dogsey

A Nottinghamshire man, whose labrador puppy got drunk on vodka and cola, has been banned from keeping a dog for three years.

Six-month-old Max drank the vodka after his 26-year-old owner, Matthew Cox, left his drink to go outside for a cigarette. Too drunk to deal with the swaying puppy, Cox then went out to DJ, leaving Max with his flatmate.

The court heard how Max was later seen staggering about and falling over near some shops close to his home by two girls. The girls called the police, who were so concerned for his health they took him to an emergency vet. Max was put on an intravenous drip to flush the alcohol out of his system. He made a full recovery and was re-homed by the RSPCA.

Acknowledging that Cox had not committed a malicious act - but making the comment: “it was just downright stupid, wasn't it? This could have had desperate consequences for him – a motor accident or anything” - Magistrate J A Smith disqualified Cox from keeping or owning a dog for three years. Cox, who pleaded guilty to failing to ensure an animal's welfare (failing to prevent an animal from consuming alcohol), was also given a two-year conditional discharge.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said that this was the first case of alcohol poisoning that he had seen.