A COUPLE have been jailed for leaving their elderly dog to suffer from a painful leg injury.

Sophia Koch, 29, and Adrian Wilkie, 31, both of Trafalgar Square, Scarborough, appeared at York Magistrates’ Court on Monday and admitted causing unnecessary suffering to their 11-year-old Akita Zeus by "failing to adequately explore and address the causes of his lameness".

An RSPCA investigation started after reports from locals in Scarborough about a limping dog in the town, and found Zeus had a ruptured cruciate ligament which led to serious arthritis in both of his rear legs. A vet said Zeus had probably been suffering for three years.

Zeus was taken into RSPCA care and received treatment for his leg injury and resulting arthritis. His health deteriorated, and he was put to sleep.

Koche was sentenced to a 12-week prison sentence and Wilkie received 18 weeks. Both were disqualified from keeping animals indefinitely.