A man has been handed a suspended prison sentence and banned from keeping animals for failing to get veterinary care when two of his dogs suffered injuries.

Stephen Carr, 33, from Munroe Avenue, Millom, pleaded guilty to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering*when he appeared at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard Cumbria Police executed a warrant at Carr’s home on August 14 joined by RSPCA officers.

Three dogs were found in kennels at the bottom of the garden, and two of them were found to have facial injuries.

A vet who examined Toby, a bull lurcher, found a lower lip laceration which was about a month old which was still healing and there was no sign of an attempt to repair it.

Boots, a Patterdale Terrier, was found to have an old ‘degloving injury’ on her jaw which was caused by ‘traumatic tearing forces’.

The vet report said ‘these injuries are incredibly painful,’ and there was no evidence it had been treated and had instead been ‘left to heal’.

Carr was handed a 12-week suspended prison sentenced, ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and has to pay £500 costs and a £122 victim surcharge.

He was disqualified from keeping dogs for 10 years. Boots, Toby and his third dog Blaze are in RSPCA care and will be looking for new homes soon.

RSPCA Inspector Ian Briggs, said: “As a dog owner, it's your responsibility to make sure your pet gets vet treatment when they need it so they do not suffer.

“We are pleased that Boots, Toby and Blaze, will be looking for loving new homes soon.”

Copeland Neighbourhood Police Officer Marie Carter said: “This is a welcome result which enforces the message that mistreatment or abuse of animals will not be tolerated and will result in robust action being taken. We continue to work with our partners in the RSPCA in order to bring these offenders to justice.

"Anyone with any information in relation to this type of offence is asked to contact Cumbria Constabulary on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”