A COUPLE who neglected a dog so badly it was almost blind have been banned from owning animals for ten years.

Lady the Lhasa Apso was found by a visiting council officer with eye ulcers and infected eyelids.

Her eye sores were weeping pus which matted the fur to her face and she was covered in fleas and lice.

Her owners, Rudi and Leanna Dear of St Aelreds Mews in Derwenthorpe appeared at York Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to failing to look after Lady, and causing her unnecessary suffering.

In mitigation, they said a family bereavement meant that Lady had been left with Mr Dear who did not do all he should to look after her.

Mr Dear was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and pay an £85 court surcharge, while Leanna Dear was given a £120 fine and a £30 court surcharge. Each must also pay £500 in prosecution costs.

Lady, who has been renamed, is now in a loving new home.