A Telford man who neglected his pet dog so badly it became emaciated and crippled and had to be put down has been banned from keeping any animal for life.

Trevor Arthur Williams admitted at Telford Magistrates Court yesterday two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to his collie-cross Rex between September 26 and October 10 last year.

Williams, aged 43, of Withington Close, Oakengates, further admitted failing to provide Rex with a suitable environment.

Presiding magistrate Mrs Pauline Picken told him he could have been sent to prison and added: “People like you just shouldn’t be able to keep animals.”

She told Williams he could not even take someone else’s dog for a walk. Williams was made the subject of a 12-month community order and ordered to do 150 hours community work as well as to pay £600 prosecution costs.

Roger Price, prosecuting, said an RSPCA inspector visited Williams’s home last October. He was not in but 16-year-old Rex was seen lying on his side in the back garden.

He said the dog made frantic efforts to get up, but failed, his pulse was weak, his eyes were inflamed, he was soaking wet and his coat was matted and muddy.

Mr Price said Rex’s only shelter was an empty, wooden kennel and a shed where all he had to lie on were some urine-soaked cushions.

The court heard Rex’s rear claws were worn down which indicated he had been unable to walk properly and had been dragging his back legs behind him. He weighed just 12.75kg – he should have been 16.5kg.

A vet called to the scene decided to put Rex down, owing to his age and condition.

Mr Price said Williams had twice before been warned by an RSPCA inspector to walk Rex and get him veterinary treatment.

The court was told Williams took Rex to a vet twice after the June visit but the dog received no treatment in the seven months up to his death.

Jo Griffiths, defending, said Williams’s father had been seriously ill during those months and died on October 5.

She added: “He gave his dad his priority and not his dog. He is disgusted with himself.”