A MOTHER and son from Hindhead have been banned from keeping animals for five years for causing unnecessary suffering to a Staffordshire bull terrier.

Eileen Wright, 58, and her son Paul Wright, 37, of Tyndalls, were each sentenced at Redhill Magistrates Court on February 23, to 12-month community orders and 70 hours of unpaid work. They were also both ordered to pay £150 towards costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

The mother and son were disqualified from keeping animals for five years.

Each pleaded guilty to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to the dog, called Barley, which had to be put down.

The offences, under section four of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, were for failing to investigate and treat the cause of Barley’s weight loss, and failing to provide adequate veterinary care for an ear problem.

RSPCA inspector Rob Jackson, who investigated the case, said he was called out in November and rushed Barley straight to the vet.

“When I took Barley to the vet he was underweight and had swollen ears,” he said. “The vet gave him a body condition score of just one out of nine.

“Sadly, Barley had to be put to sleep to end his suffering because his ear condition was so chronic. Barley’s owners said they couldn’t afford to feed him enough food or take him to the vet for treatment.

“There is absolutely no excuse to starve an animal or to leave him suffering from a painful medical condition. There are charities and organisations, such as the RSPCA or PDSA, who will help owners struggling with costs to ensure that the welfare of pets is not compromised.”