A father beat and kicked a puppy as his five-year-old child watched on and laughed.

Edward Andrews admitted to punching, kicking and dragging the Kito/husky cross puppy as he walked home on October 21.

The 46-year-old, who was with his five-year-old boy, was spotted by a member of public as he walked the dog at about 7.30pm.

The witness saw Andrews, of Warbank Crescent, New Addington, dragging the dog by its lead and on several occasions yanking it forwards.

The court heard how the dog appeared motionless on the floor.

But then Andrews picked the dog up and dropped it back onto the concrete from a height of about five feet several times.

The witness told police she saw the five-year-old boy “laughing at the defendant’s behaviour”.

The single father then punched the dog five or six times and also kicked the dog, with the witness worried the dog had died.

She followed Andrews to his home address and called the police, who then arrested Andrews and confiscated the dog.

The court heard how Andrews had drunk half a bottle of vodka and some beer prior to the incident and could not remember what he had done.

He admitted the offence and said he “felt ashamed and disgusted” by his actions.

The court heard how he admitted had he seen another person do what he did then he would also have taken action.

He will be sentenced on November 2 following pre-sentence reports.

Andrews was released on bail but cannot buy, acquire, keep or be responsible for an animal.

The abused dog has been taken from his care and is now with the RSPCA.