A LEIGH couple have been banned for life from keeping any animals after they admitted causing unnecessary suffering to their St Bernard dog.

Neika, a five year old male dog, had severe hair loss, ringworm, lice infestation, open sores and scabs, eye problems and an ear infection, Wigan Magistrates heard.

Neika was also about 20kgs underweight for a dog of his breed and size.

RSPCA inspector Cathy Hyde had been contacted by a local authority dog warden in May this year who was concerned about the condition of a St Bernard that had been reported as a stray.

The inspector went to the home of Hazel and Stanley Raymond in Newlands Road, Leigh who claimed to have found Neika in a park. The inspector was immediately suspicious because the Raymond's owned two other St Bernards.

A Journal appeal to track down Neika's owners led the RSPCA back to the Raymond's home.

Investigation

Inspector Hyde carried out lengthy investigations to prove Neika belonged to the couple. When confronted with her evidence, the Raymonds eventually admitted they owned the dog.

The Raymonds told the court that they had not taken Neika to a vet for treatment to his multiple problems because they feared they would not be able to afford the veterinary bill.

Mr Raymond, 55, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog and was sentenced to 180 hours community service and ordered to pay £500 costs. Mrs Raymond, who was unable to attend the hearing because of ill health, pleaded guilty in her absence and was fined £750 with £500 costs.

Both defendants were banned for life from keeping any animals.

After the hearing Inspector Hyde said: "There is no excuse for cruelty to animals. The severity of this offence has been recognised by the magistrates in imposing a lifetime ban.

Neika has since made a full recovery and is living with new owners in Stoke.