A MAN who attempted to make a rat and a ferret fight has been given a community order.

Magistrates heard how Howard Bernard Lewin, 50, of Dickson Street, Colne, committed the offence by putting the animals together for the purpose of fighting, causing fear and mental suffering. The incident took place in Colne on May 11.

Lewin pleaded guilty to attempting to cause an animal fight to take place, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse being present at an animal fight and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

He was made subject of a 20 day rehabilitation activity requirement and told to pay an £85 surcharge.