THE case of an Accrington mother and daughter who were prosecuted for animal cruelty is being used to launch a new RSPCA campaign.

Susan and Kimberley Ireland, of Accrington, were taken to court after RSPCA inspectors found two dogs in their home infested with fleas and lice, and suffering chronic skin conditions.

Inspectors had first visited their home in March 2003 and found German shepherd cross Max, and terrier cross Terra, in squalid conditions.

The family were advised to clean up, but at a visit in September the dogs were found to still be suffering, and a vet concluded that the animals had been suffering for at least three weeks.

Both mother and daughter pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering before Hyndburn Magistrates Court in March this year, and were ordered to pay £1,450 between them.

They were also banned from keeping all animals for five years.

Now the RSPCA is using the case to call for the Government to introduce a 'duty of care' or welfare offence in a new bill.