A COUPLE who were experiencing financial difficulties failed to get veterinary help for their dog which was suffering from ear, eye and skin diseases.

Blackburn magistrates heard the chocolate labrador called Charlie suffered "significant pain and discomfort" over a period of time.

Dean Marsden, 40, and Michelle Louise Marsden, 38, both of Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and two charges of failing in their duty of responsibility to the dog.

They were each made subject to a curfew between 9pm and 6am for eight weeks and ordered to pay £85 victim surcharge.

They were banned from keeping any pets for 10 years and a deprivation order made which allows the RSPCA to re-home Charlie.

Paul Ridehalgh, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said the dog had been handed over by a member of the public who found it straying in Oswaldtwistle.

The vets discovered extensive hair loss, anaemia and an underactive thyroid. It also had long nails indicating she was not getting sufficient exercise.

The vet's opinion was that the dog had been suffering for some time and that all its conditions could easily have been treated.

Zabair Afzal, defending, said it had not been a deliberate attempt to cause suffering.

He said the couple had noticed issues with the dogs skin last year and had treated it with creams and shampoos.

"That worked but the condition flared up again in March of this year," said Mr Afzal.

He said the pet store where they had bought the previous medication had closed.

They bought some more medication but didn't get chance to complete the course before the dog strayed.

"They made several attempts to look after the dog but they accept it wasn't enough and they couldn't afford to take the dog to the vets," he added.