AN Alsatian left to suffer from a flesh eating skin condition without treatment had to be put to sleep immediately after being seen by a vet, a court heard.

Burnley magistrates were told how the German Shepherd-type male, Spike, had chronic facial dermatitis and was in an horrific state.

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By the time the vet eventually saw the animal, it had no fur on its face, which was red-raw, inflamed and infected. The dog was in such agony, the vet decided it had to be put out of its misery.

A shocked RSPCA inspector, alerted by a worried shopper, who had seen Spike in a car, said it was the worst skin condition she had ever seen and the skin on the dogs face had been ‘eaten away’.

The charity's prosecutor Christopher Wyatt said: " Some of the staff at the veterinary practice had to leave the room as they were so upset at what they saw."

The hearing was told how Spike was jointly owned by husband and wife Kevin and Agnes Stringfellow, both 51, who lived separately.

The dog spent most of the time with Mrs Stringfellow, who is said to have a mental health problem. It had last been taken to a vet, for a facial condition, in 2006, but that vet had not seen it since.

Kevin Stringfellow, of Greenfield Road, Colne, last Friday admitted duty of person responsible for an animal to ensure welfare, by failing to meet its needs to be protected from pain, suffering, injury or disease by failing to get proper and necessary veterinary care and attention, between October 16, last year and March 16 and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal between March 16 and April 16, this year.

His wife, of Kenilworth Drive, Earby, who was accused of the same allegations, did not attend the hearing, the bench found the case against her proven in her absence and adjourned it until October 17.

Kevin Stringfellow, a self-employed dairy engineer, was banned from owning or keeping dogs and cats for 10 years and cannot apply for the order to be lifted for five years. He was ordered to pay compensation - the vet's fees of £320.63 -and £600 costs.

Mr Wyatt told the court the facial dermatitis was a long-term condition. A witness saw the animal in a vehicle on the car park at Tesco in Horwich, Bolton, on April 12 and was so concerned she took the registration number and contacted the RSPCA.

An inspector later went to Kenilworth Drive, the home of Mrs Stringfellow and was shocked when she saw the dog. It had no fur on its face and the flesh was exposed and red raw, with scabbing.

The inspector couldn't see the dog's eyes.

Mr Wyatt said the inspector spoke to Mr Stringfellow on the phone and he said Spike's skin condition had been ongoing for about three or four months. He said his wife had been looking after the dog for 12 or 13 years.

Stringfellow said the animal had been taken to the vet about six years ago, but it had not been back since. He gave permission for the inspector to take the dog to a vet.

The prosecutor said the animal was taken to experienced vet, Shaun Taylor in Bury. He reported Spike was aggressive, in obvious discomfort, restless and scratching and he decided it really needed to be put to sleep to end its suffering. Kevin Stringfellow gave consent.

Mr Wyatt said Mr Taylor reported Spike had suffered for at least a month.

The inflammation was across most of its face, fluid was coming out and it was infected. The prosecutor added: "The dog was in a state."

Mr Wyatt said a check was made with the vet Mr Stringfellow said he had taken Spike to. He said: "They confirmed they saw the dog in 2006 for a condition of the face, but had not seen it since."

When Stringfellow was interviewed, he said the skin condition had got worse over the last six months.

He said he didn't take the dog to the vet as he thought he could sort the problem out himself.

Mrs Stringfellow was not interviewed, despite attempts by the RSPCA to do so.

Mr Stringfellow, who was not legally represented, told the court: " I'm very sorry. It wasn't done with any intent. Things got on top of me. I tried to get help for Agnes."

He added: " The worst thing that could have happened has. I have lost Spike."