A man accused of pouring scalding water over a dog denied the allegation when he appeared in court.

Adam Heath is said to have tipped the hot water over a French bulldog during an incident in a garden in Higham in June last year.

The 48-year-old was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal but denied the allegation when he appeared before Medway magistrates on Thursday, January 30.

Heath, formerly from Higham, but now of Wilson Avenue, Rochester, is also accused of assaulting Obie Achleton on the same day, a charge he also denies.

Rajni Prashar, prosecuting, told the court the dog’s owner thought something had happened to it when he saw it rolling about on its back in grass in his back garden.

She added: “The French bulldog was rolling in the grass and he went to see and the dog was soaking wet and hot to the touch.”

It is understood an altercation apparently then happened between Heath and the dog’s owner which resulted in him being charged with common assault.

The court also heard the bulldog was taken to a vet and was found to have no lasting injury.

Heath was granted bail until he stands trial over the matters and that will be held at the same court on the morning of October 6.