A MAN who pleaded guilty to neglecting his 15-year-old dog has been banned from keeping animals for five years and ordered to pay £500 in RSPCA prosecution costs.

Mark Hoskins, of St Mary Green, Swindon, pleaded guilty to Swindon magistrates to the offence of "neglect by failing to seek veterinary attention" for his Collie dog, Bobby.

Hoskins, who lived in Burnet Close, Haydon Wick, Swindon, at the time of the offence last month, failed to seek veterinary attention for Bobby. The animal was suffering from severe eye and ear infections.

Police were alerted to the dog's plight, after receiving calls from concerned members of the public who said he had been left on his own for 48 hours.

When it became clear nobody was attending to Bobby they removed him from the premises and handed him over to the RSPCA.

RSPCA Inspector Steph Daly, who collected Bobby from the police, said: " The police were concerned about him because he was quite dirty and obviously had an eye infection, which was not being treated.

"On closer examination he also had a nasty ear infection which would have caused him a lot of discomfort."

Hoskins apologised in court for his actions and said in mitigation that he had been experiencing family problems at the time.

Magistrates banned him from keeping animals for five years and ordered him to pay £500 costs.

Daly said: "This sentence will underline that caring for an animal is a serious responsibility, which cannot be undertaken lightly.

"Pet owners must ensure their animals receive prompt veterinary attention when required.

"There is simply no excuse for allowing an animal to suffer."

Bobby, has made a full recovery and is being looked after by the RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre, near Ringwood, where he is looking for a new home.