Paul Lord, 46, is alleged to have hit a mastiff named Ace with an object at his address in First Avenue in Dursley on April 2 last year. As well as being charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, he is also charged with failing to take reasonable steps to ensure Ace’s needs were met at the address on April 3 last year. Lord is accused of failing to meet one or a combination of the following for the dog, who he was allegedly responsible for:The need for an appropriate dietThe need for a suitable environmentThe need for kind and consistent careLord’s case was heard at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on Monday, August 3, but was adjourned to Wednesday, August 19.