A MOTHER-of-five has been banned from keeping animals for five years after puppies in her care were found to have open, weeping sores from a serious skin condition.

Leanne Fallow, of Middlesbrough, admitted four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and was also handed a suspended 12-week prison sentence.

Fallow had three Serbian Mastiff dogs in her care, a mother and two puppies, who were taken into RSPCA care after being found with serious bacterial skin infections causing them to bite and scratch themselves excessively.

The court heard Fallow had taken the dogs to the vet once and then tried to pass them on to other people because she couldn't afford the care.