A young German Shepherd who was rescued by the RSPCA after his owner was filmed brutally beating him has found a loving new home in High Wycombe. 

One-year-old Zeus was punched in the body and face by his owner and the shocking attack was caught on camera. 

The dog's owner, a 35-year-old man from Bedfordshire, admitted causing unnecessary suffering by inflicting physical abuse and blunt force trauma and was banned from keeping all animals for five years, given a 12 week custodial sentence, which was suspended for 12 months, 100 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay costs of £626. 

The shocking footage appears to show the owner rubbing his fists because he hit the dog so hard. 

Warning - some viewers may find the video footage upsetting.

The film was passed to the RSPCA and Deputy Chief Inspector Mel Fisher attended the property with the police last year and Zeus was seized and placed into the charity’s care, pending an investigation.

Zeus was cared for by staff at RSPCA Blackberry Farm in Aylesbury who said that when he first came in he was a "bundle of nerves" and would cower away or growl at staff because he had no trust.

Following the court case, earlier this year, Zeus was rehomed with his new owner Nicola in High Wycombe. 

She said: "Zeus is very loyal and protective and he loves a cuddle and sleeps at the bottom of my bed. He’s a very intelligent dog and he just wants to please all the time and he’s so willing to learn, he’s just a funny big goof ball.

“It’s quite sickening to think what happened to him I really don’t know how someone could do that, and considering what he has been through.

“We are going to have a lovely future together, a very long one hopefully, and one full of fun.”

Zeus' case is set to feature on Channel 5 documentary Dog Rescuers at 8pm on Tuesday, August 1.

RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Mel Fisher, who investigated the case said: “I can still remember my stomach churning when I watched the film clip. The man was punching this poor dog so hard he was actually shaking and rubbing his fist afterwards because it hurt his hand. I am just thankful that Zeus was not left with any long-lasting injuries from this incident.

“Zeus was just a few months old when he came into our care, and despite such a horrible start to his life, he soon started to thrive. He really is such a beautiful dog, I used to joke with others that he’s like the Brad Pitt of the German Shepherd world.

“Cases like these always stick with you, because it’s just heartbreaking to watch deliberate acts of cruelty. People who hit their dogs are essentially bullies who are taking their aggression and frustration out on a animal and it is not acceptable in any circumstances.”