A PENSIONER who let his dog suffer with a tumour the size of a tennis ball was yesterday given a suspended prison sentence.

RSPCA inspectors discovered emaciated pet Tara with a broken paw and with its fur so badly matted with faeces and urine that it could barely open its jaw or see through its hair.

Gordon Day, 65, of Stockton, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to his nine-year-old Yorkshire terrier when he appeared before Teesside magistrates.

RSPCA inspectors visited Day's home in High Newham Road on February 4, where they also found Tara was suffering from a tumour the size of tennis ball on its mammary gland.

A vet who saw the pet after it was taken away said it was in the worst condition she had ever seen a terrier in, and decided to put her down.

In mitigation, Day said he was too ill to look after the dog and did not realise that free veterinary help was available.

Teesside magistrates yesterday gave Day a three-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and banned him from keeping animals for life. He was also ordered to pay £460 costs.

He was spared jail because of his previous good character and the fact he had suffered three heart attacks and has angina, asthma and diabetes.

RSPCA inspector Garry Palmer said: "When he was sick, he managed to get medication for himself, so he must realise that a sick animal needs help too.

"He has contributed to that animal's death and the courts have shown how severely they view animal cruelty."

* Teesside magistrates also banned a 20-year-old Stockton man from keeping animals for life and imposed a 12-month community rehabilitation order.

John Marshall, of Craister Road, Stockton, had previously admitted allowing a rabbit to starve to death by keeping it in a birdcage in an empty Billingham council flat.

It was so malnourished it had eaten its own droppings.