Stourbridge couple left suffering dog under blanket

Mark Taylor, aged 37, and his wife Billy, aged 39, have been banned from keeping animals for life after failing to provide veterinary care for their dog Tammy.

They both also received 10-week prison sentences, suspended for 12 months, and were placed under supervision for a year.

Mark Taylor was put on a six-month alcohol treatment plan while Billy Taylor was placed on a 21-day activity requirement. Both were ordered to pay £500 court costs.

The pair pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Sandwell Magistrates Court yesterday heard that the couple, from Lye, had taken the Staffordshire bull terrier to the PDSA with demodectic mange last October.

They took the dog to two further appointments in December and January, but did not return despite being asked to by vets. In April this year, RSPCA inspectors visited their home, in Connops Way, and found the dog placed under a blanket with severe mange.

Mrs Gaynor Sutton, prosecuting for RSPCA, told the hearing the dog was taken to be examined by an independent vet. She said: "The vet described it as one of the worst cases they have ever seen. The dog was systematically ill and in pain as a result of infection.

"It would have been obvious to any responsible owner that the dog was in pain and desperately required treatment."

In interview, Mark Taylor said he was too poorly to take the dog to appointments.

Mrs Sutton said: "What is clear is that the condition has been ongoing from October the previous year.

"Some treatment has been given by PDSA but defendants failed to keep appointments and get medication.

"There was a period of prolonged neglect, with some attempts to get the dog treated, but it was wholly inadequate."

Mrs Dawn Foxall, defending the couple, said there were 'issues' with both her clients. Both are unemployed and claiming benefits and Mark Taylor is an alcoholic who drinks a litre of cider a day.

The dog was purchased for Billy Taylor by Mark Taylor as an engagement present in June 2011.

Mrs Foxall said: "It has to be accepted that they took some steps to try and address the condition, they didn't go far enough. They missed appointments. The condition cleared up, but they didn't appreciate that this was something which would return with vengeance."

The dog has since fully recovered and is to be re-homed. It is two-years-old.

Mrs Foxall added: "They are both genuinely remorseful and happy that Tammy is healthy and will be re-homed and wish she goes to a loving home."