A yob whose dog lost its fur in one of the worst cases of animal neglect the RSPCA have ever seen has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Daniel Tomlinson, 49, failed to have his pet Daisy’s skin condition treated, leaving the pooch in pain for months.
The condition got so bad most of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s fur fell out and its skin was covered in blood from where it had scratched itself.
The RSPCA raided Tomlinson’s home in Stoke-on-Trent following a tip-off from police who attended his address on an unrelated matter.
Tomlinson admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the dog between January 6 and March 21 when he appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Friday (19/7).
He was handed a 14-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work and pay £515 in costs and charges.
He was also banned from keeping animals for ten years.
The court heard Tomlinson left Daisy suffering from a chronic skin condition and failed to get her veterinary treatment for almost three months.
The RSPCA were called to investigate by police who had attended the address on an unrelated matter.
Inspector Charlotte Melvin said: “Poor Daisy was covered in blood on her skin where she had been constantly scratching to try and relieve her itchy skin complaint.
“Her skin was sore and inflamed and she had very little fur.
“It was the worst skin complaint I have seen on a dog during my six years as an RSPCA inspector.
“It was obvious she was in a suffering state and had been for months.
“Tomlinson said he had taken her for veterinary treatment previously but never went back for a follow-up appointment with the PDSA so she was left in this awful condition.
“When I first saw her she was miserable and quiet but am pleased to say in our care she is doing really well.
“Her fur has grown back and she looks like a different dog – she looks so happy and healthy.
“There is never any excuse not to seek veterinary care for a pet and there a number of animal charities who will offer help and advice to anyone in need.”
Daisy has been recovering well from her ordeal in RSPCA care and will be available for re-homing soon.
Tomlinson told the court he failed to have Daisy treated because he was struggling financially.