A COUPLE have been banned from owning a dog for five years, after causing unnecessary suffering to their German shepherd.

John and Ann Skerritt, 62 and 61, of Linden Court, Thornaby, were found guilty at Teesside Magistrates' Court of causing unnecessary suffering to their dog, Caesar.

They were each given a two-year conditional discharge, a five-year banning order and ordered to pay £375 towards costs.

The dog has also been confiscated.

Animal welfare officers from Stockton Borough Council visited the Skerritts' house after receiving complaints about the condition of five-year-old Caesar.

They found the dog to have severe mange, resulting in prolonged hair loss to 50 per cent of his body, infected skin lesions and both eyes were discharging a green substance, making it difficult for him to open them.

The cumulative effects of these symptoms were causing the dog extreme discomfort.

Caesar was taken to the council's appointed vet and, with the co-operation of the police, was seized under the Protection of Animals Act and kennelled at the council's expense.

After the case last week, Michelle Johnson, the council's animal welfare officer, said: "This was a dreadful case of neglect and one that could have been easily avoided if veterinary treatment had been sought.

"Our animal welfare service is available to give advice and help find homes for pets whose owners are no longer able to care for them.

"I would urge people who find themselves in such a situation to contact the service and avoid causing unnecessary suffering to an animal."

Caesar has responded to treatment, making a full recovery, and will now be rehomed.

Councillor Steve Nelson, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: "This case demonstrates we will not tolerate cruelty to animals and we will take decisive action against perpetrators of animal cruelty."