A MAN who allowed his sick dog to die has been banned from keeping animals.

Nicholas Lodge’s spaniel cross named Dexter had virtually no body fat when he was found dumped in a bin at the 27-year-old’s former Huddersfield home in Grange Moor.

Ian Drummond, prosecuting for the RSPCA, told Huddersfield magistrates: “In the vet’s opinion the dog had been caused to suffer unnecessarily.”

The court banned Lodge from owning animals for three years after he pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate veterinary care and attention for his pet.

Lodge, of Penistone Road, Kirkburton, was also ordered to serve a 12 month community order, including 40 hours of unpaid work, and pay £250 costs.

Mr Lodge’s former partner Sarah Lodge had the same charges against her dismissed.

Magistrates heard the emaciated corpse of the dog was found by an RSPCA inspector visiting Lodge’s former home in South View Terrace, Grange Moor, on February 17.