A man accused of biting a police dog has appeared at New Plymouth District Court

John Fidow is facing 10 charges including two animal cruelty related charges, three counts of burglary, and two charges of reckless driving.

At the time, police said Fidow crashed his vehicle, demanded car keys from nearby residents, then crashed another vehicle.

A dog was used to find Fidow after he fled police, but the dog was allegedly bit on the head, thrown against a wall, and on to the ground.

Fidow is remanded in custody until his next appearance on the 2nd of August.