Owners who neglected dog until she 'scratched herself raw' banned from keeping pets

A couple have been banned from keeping animals after their pet dog was found in terrible condition, severely underweight and missing fur.

Fern Thoms, 19, and Peter Thoms, 20, faced court after officers from the RSCPA were tipped off about the appalling state of their faithful dog, Kizzy.

Officers from the animal welfare charity were shocked to find the 12-year-old border collie in a grave condition, covered in scabs and pink inflamed skin.

The pair, from Dawlish in Devon appeared at Newton Abbot Magistrates Court.

They were found guilty of one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

A judge handed the couple a three-year ban on keeping animals or pets.

Read more on Yahoo News UK

London Bridge terror attack victim's fiance told man to stop filming her death

Ukip MEP candidate says Carl Benjamin jokes about raping Jess Philips 'risque'

Baby squirrels rescued after getting tangled together by their tails

The Thoms were also ordered by the court to pay a £200 fine.

Since the dog was taken away from the couple, she has recovered and been transformed while in the care of the RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre .

A photograph was sent to the RSPCA and an inspector visited the couple’s home address following an anonymous tip.

RSPCA inspector Marije Zwager, who led the investigation, said: ‘The photographs show just what an appalling state Kizzy was in at the time of her rescue.

‘She must have been so uncomfortable and itchy all the time resulting in her nibbling and scratching herself raw.

‘Kizzy’s terrible condition could have been avoided if she was promptly taken to a vet and the owners had followed veterinary advice to manage her chronic skin condition.

‘It should never have got to this situation, and should never have simply been treated with ineffective home remedies by those responsible for her care.’

The RSPCA compiled their oddest rescues of 2018, which included a squirrel that fell down the loo, a snake in a dishwasher and a chubby dog stuck between a wall and fence.

More than one million calls are made to the RSPCA each year to report animals in need of help.