Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has described the four month sentence of two animal abusers as "appalling".

Richard Finch, 60, and Michael Heathcock, 59, both admitted "horrific acts of cruelty" that caused the death of a 16-year-old Terrier Scamp by driving a nail into his skull while he was still alive.

Scamp was found whimpering in a shallow grave by dog walkers.

The two received a reduced sentence of four months today (March 1) at Teesside Magistrates’ Court because they pleaded guilty.

The sentence comes nine days after Battersea Dogs and Cats launched a major campaign to bring in harsher sentences for animal abusers.

Battersea’s Chief Executive Claire Horton said: "The unimaginable suffering Scamp endured at the hands of his owner, a person he should have been able to trust implicitly, will horrify the nation.

"The two men responsible have been sentenced to just four months in prison.

"Why? Because magistrates are unable to issue anything more than six months for even the most appalling and callous acts of animal cruelty.

"England and Wales’ maximum sentence simply must change. Four months for what was done to Scamp is neither a fitting punishment nor a deterrent.

"Animal lovers will surely want to come together and join Battersea and other respected animal welfare charities so we can make our collective voice heard for animals like Scamp.

"Our tougher sentencing campaign is already making its mark. We're asking the public to write to their MP and call for a five-year sentence for such shocking acts of cruelty as we need the punishment to fit the crime."

Heathcock, who said he could not afford euthanasia, admitted the attack, while Finch admitted aiding him.

Visit here to help the animal home speak out against these acts of cruelty.