A MAN whose dog was found whimpering and in "considerable pain" with an untreated hernia, received a life ban from keeping animals yesterday.

Robert Michael Miln, 60, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to his black and tan German shepherd, Buster, when he appeared before Bishop Auckland magistrates.

Kevin Campbell, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, told the court an inspector had called at Miln's home in Rosebay Court, Darlington, where he heard a dog whimpering and was hit by an overpowering smell of excrement.

Miln, who works part-time at The Northern Echo, was out and the police were contacted to gain entry. They found faeces smeared on the walls, on the washing machine and littered on pieces of newspaper in parts of the flat, including the kitchen.

They found the pet with his coat matted and with long claws, which indicated a lack of exercise. The 12-year-old also had an infection, a tumour and a severe hernia on his right side, which he later had operations to remove.

"The dog was clearly in considerable pain and suffering. It will be on medication for the rest of its life to control pain and aid bowel function," said Mr Campbell.

Miln, who was unrepresented, turned down the chance to explain any mitigating circumstances to the court.

As well as the ban, magistrates ordered him to pay £966, which included a £250 fine, £120 costs and a vet's bill and boarding costs of £596.

After the hearing, a spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: "The RSPCA is absolutely delighted with this result. When taking prosecutions we always hope for a lifetime ban to stop other animals suffering."

l The Northern Echo launched Animal Watch earlier this year to highlight the region's poor record on animal cruelty.

www.thisisthenortheast/news/ campaigns/animal watch