Dogsey

These horrifying pictures show the pitiful state of a pet Alsatian that had to be put down after it scratched the skin of its face - because owners did not take it to a vet for eight years.

Keven and Agnes Stringfellow, both 51, were both charged with failing to protect their dog Spike, a German Shepherd, and causing him unnecessary suffering.

A worried shopper spotted the dog, who had been suffering from chronic facial dermatitis, in a car in Bolton, Greater Manchester, with no fur on its face and its skin was inflamed and infected.

They alerted officers at the RSPCA who were left shocked, with one inspector describing it as the worst skin condition she had ever seen.

Burnley Magistrates Court heard that the couple are married but live separately and the dog spent most of his time with Mrs Stringfellow - who is said to have a mental health problem.

Spike had last been taken to see a vet for the facial condition in 2006 but had not been seen since.

Mr Stringfellow, from Colne in Lancashire, admitted failing to protect Spike from pain, suffering, injury or disease by failing to get proper and necessary veterinary attenton, betweeen October 16 last year and March 16 and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

The self-employed dairy engineer, was banned from owning or keeping dogs and cats for 10 years and cannot apply for the order to be lifted for five years. He was made to pay compensatio- the vet's fees of £320.63 - and £600 costs.

His wife, of Earby in Pendle, who was accused of the same allegations, did not attend the hearing and the bench found the case against her in her absence and adjourned it until October 17.