A 26-YEAR-OLD man has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog following a prosecution case brought by the RSPCA.

Frankie Williams, of Melrose Drive, St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, appeared before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on September 12, for a trial.

He was convicted of failing to provide Rocky - a male white and tan lurcher - with adequate nutrition for his needs contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Williams had placed an online advertisement offering Rocky free to a good home. Concerned by the picture of an underweight dog, a member of the public collected Rocky and contacted the RSPCA, before taking him to Happier Days for Strays in Sunderland.RSPCA inspector Stephanie Baines said: “Rocky was in a shocking state. He was extremely thin with his bones visible through his skin. He had very little muscle and had pressure sores on all four legs and his shoulder blades. Rocky was weak, lethargic, shook when standing up and was unsteady on his feet when walking.”Rocky was found to weigh just 14.15kg; a dog of his type is expected to weigh between 25kg and 28kg.

Blood test results revealed it was unlikely he was underweight due to any underlying medical conditions.

Rocky has since found a new home. Williams was sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £700 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.