Mother and son in court after failing to care for dog

The pair failed to get proper treatment for ten-month-old white American bulldog Buster.

Susan Smith (54) and her son Brad Smith (24), from John Street in Great Houghton, had already pleaded guilty to two offences each of failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care when they appeared before Barnsley magistrates yesterday.

A vet confirmed that Buster had been caused unnecessary suffering due to his owners failing to seek adequate treatment for a severe skin condition called demodectic mange, which caused inflammation to his skin.

His eyes were the cause of most of his suffering due to his eyelids turning inwards, a condition known as bilateral entropion.

In addition to the disqualification orders the pair both received a 12-month community order and curfew requirement.

They were both ordered to pay £375 costs and a victim surcharge of £60 totalling £435 each.

RSPCA inspector Jo Taylor said: “It was heartbreaking to find Buster in this terrible condition.  

“His owners were aware of his demodectic mange, and stopped providing treatment for it. Bilateral entropion is an extremely painful condition. It was clear to anyone that Buster was suffering and needed further veterinary treatment.” 

Buster has now been rehomed.