A MAN charged with animal cruelty after injuring a police dog has failed to attend court, prompting police to issue a warrant for his arrest.

Lukasz Sklepkowski, 29, was found guilty at Hendon Magistrates Court on Monday, December 5, of causing unnecessary suffering to a police dog, despite failing to attend proceedings.

Police dog Zinzan was treated for injuries to his neck after Sklepkowski repeatedly slammed a door on the animal’s head during a pursuit in October.

Police had been carrying out a search at Symphony Close, Edgware, on October 13, when Sklepkowski emerged from a nearby bush and fled, followed by the dog.

The dog pursued Sklepkowski into a Viola Close flat where a door was slammed on its neck, causing severe bruising to its head and neck.

Zinzan returned to duty on Wednesday, October 26.