Two youths who punched a Rottweiler in the face have been fined and banned from keeping animals.

The youngsters, both aged 15, were charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal contrary to the Animal Welfare Act.

They denied the charge of attacking the five-month-old dog but were found guilty at Wycombe Youth Court.

The pair, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were back in court on Friday to be sentenced.

Both were banned from keeping or owning any animals for 29 months and made the subject of youth rehabilitation orders.

They were both also ordered to pay £872 in compensation to the dog's owner, along with £15 prosecution costs.