A MAN with mental health and alcohol problems has been banned from keeping animals after failing to seek veterinary help for his injured dog.

Magistrates heard that Carl Dunn, who was regularly beaten up by thugs in his own home, had not caused seven month-old Ben's injuries.

The 41-year-old was reported to the RSPCA by a neighbour who saw him trying to walk the dog, which was in severe pain.

John Lockwood, for the RSPCA, told the court Dunn was not being prosecuted for causing his dog's dislocated hip, but for failing to call a vet.

"The defendant maintained that he had not kicked his dog nor had his dog been hit by a car, " he said.

"He did however say that he had heard his dog cry out and that one of the lads who had been in the flat had said he had smacked the dog for fighting.

"The defendant admitted he drank alcohol on a regular basis and before his interview he had drank a three litre bottle of strong cider, but used to drink more than that socially."

He said RSPCA Inspector Gary Palmer visited Dunn's home, in Allerton Close, Hartlepool, in June and found Ben in pain and unable to walk and took him away for treatment.

Barry Gray, mitigating, said Dunn had learning difficulties and was diagnosed as a schizophrenic with a psychotic mental condition.

Social Services had intervened after his home had been "invaded by persons with no right to be there, indulging in illicit habits, including drug involvment and syringes".

The men had taken money and "used Mr Dunn as a punchbag", he added.

"A ll my client knows is he loved Ben, would never have hurt him, and he was the only friend he had, and will have. I ask you to take the view that this man is more to be pitied than prosecuted."

Dunn, who admitted causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, was banned from keeping animals and ordered to pay a total of £80 by Hartlepool magistrates.

The court heard that the dog, who will never walk properly, has recovered and has been rehomed.