A couple from Dover have been fined for leaving their mastiff with bleeding sores and lesions which meant vets had to put the dog to sleep.

Kelly Hyson, 34, and Gary Loram, 43, of London Road, were sentenced at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court.

The pair previously pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to their tan dog Rosie by not providing adequate veterinary care and attention for a skin condition.

The RSPCA was called in December 2014 and found Rosie with severe mange, fur loss, inflammation and infection.

She had been taken to a vet but the treatment advised was not followed and when the condition persisted, she was not taken back to the surgery.

RSPCA inspector Caroline Doe said: “In my years of doing this job I have not seen a dog in such a sorry state with her skin.

“Rosie had crusty lesions all over her body and only around 5% to 10% of fur coverage.

“The rest of her skin was incredibly sore and inflamed –even bleeding in places.

“There were open infected sores and multiple scabs. The poor dog suffered terribly for weeks and sadly had to be put to sleep on vet advice because the issues with her skin were so bad.”

Hyson was given a community order of 12 months with an unpaid work requirement of 100 hours.

Loram was given a curfew for nine weeks between 8pm and 6am. Both were fined £500 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60.