A man who battered a dog unconscious before throwing it onto a busy road has admitted animal cruelty.

John Poole also punched and kicked Biscuit and threw the golden retriever against a wall on Main Street in Ayr.

He then shouted and threatened police officers who were called to the scene on Saturday.

The 42-year-old pleaded guilty to causing an animal unnecessary suffering at the town's sheriff court on Monday.

Poole, of Ayr, also admitted threatening or abusive behaviour towards police officers.

Mandy Stewart, defending, said he was "struggling with alcohol issues."

Andrew Lazzarin, prosecuting, said the Crown would be seeking a deprivation order to ban or restrict Poole from keeping an animal in future.

Sheriff Carole Cunningham deferred sentence to a later date, refused bail and told Poole: "It seems to me you need to be remanded in custody."

Biscuit is believed to be recovering after being taken to a local vet for treatment.