A MAN is facing community service and a life ban from keeping animals after he admitted causing unnecessary suffering to his pet dog.

George Graver, of Central Avenue, St Helen Auckland, pleaded guilty to keeping the bull mastiff-type dog in dirty and smelly conditions.

The dog, which eventually had to be destroyed after attacking veterinary assistants, was also emaciated to the point where its bones could be seen, Bishop Auckland magistrates court heard yesterday.

RSPCA prosecutor Kevin Campbell told the court that the animal, which was chained in Graver's back yard, had to be sedated by a vet before it could be taken away.

Graver was not represented in court but spoke to confirm his name and address and plead guilty.

Chairman of the bench Ruth Dent said the court was looking at giving Graver a community sentence and banning him from keeping an animal for life. The case was adjourned until April 30.

The Northern Echo started its Animal Watch campaign in conjunction with the RSPCA to highlight animal cruetly across the region.