An Exeter couple have been disqualified from owning dogs for 10 years at Exeter Magistrates' Court after admitting failing to meet their dog's needs.
Anne Marie Every, 29, and Guy Francis Pinn, 27, both of Spenser Avenue, appeared at Magistrates Court last week and were ordered to pay costs. In addition, Pinn was ordered to do 80 hours of unpaid work and Every was given a two-year conditional discharge.
The couple said they were 'heartbroken' at the outcome of the case.
Mazie, a collie cross springer spaniel, was first seen by the RSPCA in April 2014. She had a skin condition and the couple were provided with funding for veterinary treatment. However, her owners failed to go back to the vets for follow up visits and eventually contacted the RSPCA two months later, by which time Mazie had severe demodectic mange and a flea infestation which had caused her skin to become thickened, inflamed, crusty and scaly and she had fur loss on her body and face.
The 14-month-old dog received treatment and care at the RSPCA and now has a new home.
RSPCA inspector Marije Zwager said: "We visited on several occasions and paid for vet treatment but despite this Mazie's skin was left to gradually worsen to the point that it was inflamed and painful.
"We always want to protect animals and improve their health along with their owners, but this is just not possible where the owners consistently fail to take us up on this help and advice.
"The most important outcome is that Mazie has recovered and has a great new home."
Speaking after the case Mr Pinn said: "We took the dog to the vets and we did what the RSPCA asked us to do.
"They said to us that if we couldn't cope with the treatment the dog needs send it over to them. We did that and they prosecuted us.
"We're heartbroken - we have two other dogs which will now need to be rehoused. It is heartbreaking."
