The owner of an underweight dog which had to be put down after its eye condition was left untreated has been banned from keeping animals for ten years.

Michaela Lorraine Turnbull, of Sandythorpe, near Coventry Airport, admitted an animal welfare offence following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

RSPCA Inspector Ben Jones from the charity persuaded Turnbull to let him take Bruiser to a vet after she repeatedly failed to get him much-needed treatment.

When he was rescued his ribs, spine and pelvis were clearly visible, his ears appeared swollen, his eyes had mucus around them, and his front paws had open sores.

The fur on his legs were stained a yellow colour and his pelvis area had scars on both sides too.

When he was rescued his ribs, spine and pelvis were clearly visible (image via RSPCA)

In their report, the vet who examined Bruiser said: "In my professional opinion on a veterinary basis, Bruiser did not have his needs met due to the failure to provide a suitable diet, as noted through his severely poor body conditioning score.

"Due to the loss of body condition, he was therefore not protected from pain and disease as this led to entropion, the rolling of the eyelid margin. Similarly Bruiser was not protected from pain through ear inflammation and infection." 

With an appropriate diet, Bruiser gained 1.8kg in six days.

"Unfortunately, he was later euthanised because of ongoing health issues," the RSPCA said.

Bruiser gained 1.8kg in six days (image via RSPCA)

RSPCA Inspector Ben Jones said: "Animals deserve to live healthy lives and are reliant on owners to be given everything they need to survive including an appropriate diet and vet care if they need medical treatment."

Alongside the ten year animal ban, which she can not appeal for five years, she was sentenced to a 12 month Community Order with 15 RAR (Rehabilitation Activity Requirement) days and 150 unpaid hours work.

She must also pay £350 and a £114 victim surcharge.