A MAN has been banned from keeping dogs for two years after his lurcher's coat became so unkempt it fell out.

Harry Bird, 53, from Johnson Street, Eldon Lane, near Bishop Auckland, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to his dog, Bossy, after RSPCA inspectors found the dog had lost a lot of hair from its back and its nails were overgrown.

He was given a two-year conditional discharge and disqualified from keeping a dog for that period. He was also ordered to pay £100 costs.

The court heard that the lurcher had been given to him in good condition by his landlady, who was unable to care for it. She alerted the RSPCA when she noticed the dog's condition was deteriorating.

Kevin Campbell, prosecuting, said the animal had a skin infection and it was purely neglect that had caused the dog's suffering.

The animal is now in foster care and making a recovery.

Defending solicitor Bruce Cunningham said: "The overall body weight was good and the dog was fit and exercised. He simply didn't appreciate what treatment was necessary.