A FAMILY have been told they will not be allowed to keep any animal for 10 years.

Leigh court was told that the family of three were on state benefit and literally on the breadline. They could not afford veterinary fees for treatment to Paddy, their cross-bred German shepherd-type pet.

Anthony McHugh, aged 48, his wife Rosemary, aged 41, and son Martin Christopher, aged 18, of Thompson Street, Leigh, pleaded guilty to an RSPCA allegation that they had caused the dog unnecessary suffering by not giving it proper care and attention.

Mr Alan Fairclough, prosecuting for the Society, produced photographs of the dog and said it was found to be in poor condition, its coat was matted and it had a severe skin complaint.

It was taken away, treated by a vet, and inside a month there was so much improvement it was unrecognisable.

It was a family pet, all three admitted their responsibility, but the parents more so than their son.

Mr Tony Weymss, for the family, said the dog originally belonged to her husband's father, Jimmy. Jimmy died and the dog deteriorated considerably in condition and spirit.

She told him they had been to a pet shop and bought cream to treat Paddy's skin condition.

He contended: "They never deliberately ill-treated the dog."

All three were conditionally discharged for three years with Mr and Mrs McHugh ordered to pay £100 each veterinary fees and care expenses. Prosecution costs were not awarded and the dog was ordered to remain in the custody of the Society.

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