Man's pet keeping ban

The dog, called “Spook”, had an operation to put a plate in a leg.

But owner Martin Young should have taken the animal back to the vet organised by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals for more treatment.

Young admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Spook, when he appeared before Blackpool Magistrates.

Young, who represented himself in court, said he had no money to travel to the vets and could not get through on the phone to change appointments.

Young – a former soldier aiming to re join the services – did not oppose the banning order, which forbids him from keeping any animal for two years. Young was also given a 12-month community order and must carry out 100 hours’ unpaid work and pay £160 court costs.