This is the shocking and brutal moment a dog owner battered his pet - because it tried to defecate in a lift.

In the two clips Paul Barratt, 32, is seen punching and whipping the black Labrador in a block of flats in Salford.

RSPCA officers said the dog, called Storm, had not been let out of the flat for 17 hours and tried to defecate in the lift.

Barratt abused the dog in a prolonged attack on February 13.

He failed to show up at Manchester magistrates court this week but was convicted in his absence of failing to meet the needs of an animal. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

Prosecutor David McCormick told the hearing: 'The defendant is seen entering the lift and kicks and pulls the dog. Then he continues to hit the dog and drag him by the lead.'

RSPCA officers took the dog into their possession after seeing the footage.

Barratt was arrested and interviewed and told officers he 'was trying to stop the dog from defecating'.

He admitted he was slapped the dog but said he 'didn't hit him hard'.

Storm had not been let out of the flat since 11pm the previous night - and was kept inside for 17 hours until the incident, which took place around 4.30pm the following day.

Mr McCormick said a vet had looked at the CCTV and confirmed the dog would have caused pain and suffering and could have become more aggressive as a result.

'Fortunately the dog did not suffer any long-lasting injuries,' said Mr McCormick.