A father of six who was given the harshest punishment so far for animal cruelty has been released from prison on bail after his four previous attempts failed.

Watchman Joseph Galea, 58, of Vittoriosa, who works in the public service, has spent a month in jail on remand. He had been fined €20,000 and given a nine-month jail term after he dumped his dog Kimba – named Gaia after being found – into a skip and left her to die.

She was found clinging on to life on October 1 by a jogger who had heard noises coming from the garbage bags. Despite the vet’s efforts, she died later that evening.

Mr Galea told the police he decided to get rid of the dog after she fell ill and when she “looked almost dead” he took her to a skip to dispose of her.

Following the judgment, he appealed the decision and was denied bail. He has requested release a previous three times and has been turned down on every occasion. His appeal hearing is on Wednesday in which he is expected to contest the punishment.

Mr Justice Lawrence Quintano granted him bail on condition that other animals in Mr Galea’s care are looked after by the Animal Welfare Department. An agreement was reached whereby animal welfare officers are to regularly check on the animals.

Mr Galea was released against a personal guarantee of €3,000, among other conditions.

The case of Gaia followed that of Star the dog who was shot and buried alive in May. The man responsible, 44-year-old farmer, Alfred Vella, of Birżebbuġa, was jailed for three months and fined €10,000. He has also appealed.