Mum and son banned for badly neglecting pet dog

A MOTHER and son have been banned from keeping animals for life after failing to care for their bull terrier, which had become "severely emaciated".

- By RUCSANDRA MOLDOVEANU

Mansfield Magistrates' Court heard Staffordshire bull terrier Tia was not taken to the vet by her owners despite having a ruptured eye, very low body condition, fleas, sores and overgrown claws.

The pet was recovered by RSPCA investigators but, due to the severity of her condition, Tia was put down.

Luke Prince, 34, and his mother, Julie Ann Weston, 61, pleaded guilty to causing Tia unnecessary suffering by failing to deal with the eye injury, under the Animal Welfare Act. Prince also admitted not taking steps to protect her from suffering by having her weight loss checked.