A man has been banned from keeping animals after failing to seek treatment for his dog's painful skin condition.
David Michael Jones, of Beverston, Rochdale, was prosecuted by the RSPCA and appeared at Tameside Magistrates Court on May 20.
He admitted two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 for neglecting a pocket bully dog named Tia, who suffered from untreated skin and ear disease.
The case began after RSPCA animal rescue officer Freya Norton visited Jones’ home on June 19, last year, following concerns about Tia’s welfare.
Ms Norton said: "It was clear to me that Tia had fur loss on her feet, abdomen, tail and face, sparse fur on her body, thickened skin, scabs and dark pink sores.
"I couldn't easily tell the colour of her fur due to the lack of it."
Jones agreed to let the RSPCA take Tia for immediate veterinary care.
Vets at the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital found she was suffering from a severe skin condition covering most of her body.
Her skin was red, inflamed, painful and itchy, with multiple scratch wounds and areas of bleeding, and extensive hair loss.
She also had a haematoma on her left ear and significant ear disease in both ears.
A vet concluded that Tia had likely been suffering for at least two weeks, but possibly much longer.
They said: "A reasonable owner would make efforts to have this dog assessed and treated by a vet to relieve the sore and itchy skin and ear disease before it became this severe."
Tia was given pain relief, steroids, and surgery, but due to ongoing health and behavioural issues, she was put to sleep in August 2025.
Jones was sentenced to a 12-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity days and a nine-month drug rehabilitation programme.
He was fined £120, ordered to pay £400 in costs, and banned from keeping animals for 10 years.
The court heard he had mental health difficulties and that the case was one of neglect rather than deliberate cruelty.
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RSPCA Inspector Beth Fazackerley said: "Tia endured prolonged pain and discomfort from highly visible medical conditions which very clearly required veterinary treatment.
"Pet owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their animals receive appropriate care when they are ill or injured."
The RSPCA reminds the public that support is available for those struggling with pet care costs or access to veterinary treatment through its cost of living hub.
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