RSPCA officers found a dog living in squalid conditions, a court heard yesterday.

The golden Labrador cross, called Shadow, was found living in a shed at a home in Lowther Road, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, where the floor was covered in excrement, and there was no food or drink for him.

Owner Vincent Hunt, 44, now of Toft Hill, pleaded guilty at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court yesterday to causing unnecessary suffering.

Mr Kevin Campbell, prosecuting on behalf of the Rspca, told the court the dog had a sore on his chest and ulcerations, and was underweight. After 17 days in the care of the RSPCA the dog put on 40 per cent more weight.

Mrs Lynne Simpson, defending, said Hunt was struggling to look after his wife, who had severe arthritis, osteoporosis and chronic asthma.

She said Mr Hunt cleaned up after the dog in the garden and had tried to treat the sores with Vaseline, because he could not afford vet fees.

Hunt was fined £150 and paid £100 costs. He was also banned from keeping any animals for ten years.