A COUPLE from York who neglected a dog so badly it was almost blind have been banned from owning any animal for 10 years.

Rudi and Leanna Dear of St Aelreds Mews in Derwenthorpe were the owners of a female Lhasa Apso named Lady, which was seen by a council neighbourhood enforcement officer near Outgang Lane, Osbaldwick - the couple's former address.

The officer said the dog was unkempt with dirty matted hair, very thin, and her eyes were not visible because they had been completely covered by hair, stuck to her face by dried pus which was a centimetre deep. Lady appeared in a lot of discomfort, and was covered in fleas and lice, so was taken to a vet, who found her eyes were covered in ulcers and the eyelids were inflamed and infected causing her pain.

Treatment by the vet prevented her eyes having to be removed, and Lady - who has since been renamed - is now healthy and has been rehomed.

The Dears appeared at York Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to failing to look after Lady, and causing her unnecessary suffering.

Rudi Dear was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and pay an £85 court surcharge, while Leanna Dea was given a £120 fine and a £30 court surcharge.

Both were banned from owning any animal for ten years and cannot apply to the court for a revocation, and each must pay £500 in prosecution costs.

They told the court a family bereavement had meant that the dog had been left with Mr Dear who did not do all he should have to look after it.

Cllr Sam Lisle, City of York Council's executive member for housing and safer neighbourhoods, said: "Thanks to the vigilance of this member of staff, a pet was rescued from the pain of ongoing neglect and cruelty.

"I’m delighted that the dog has recovered and has a caring new home and that those who allowed her to suffer in this way are now banned from keeping any animals for ten years."

To report animal cruelty, go to rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/reportcruelty or phone 0300 1234999.