A MAN has been banned from owning pets after his dog was found badly malnourished and covered in fleas.

Scott Paterson, 33, of Lilac Tree Court, Colchester, neglected his German shepherd, Rocky, for three months.

When RSPCA inspectors found Rocky, he was distressed and scared, Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard.

Lauren Bond, prosecuting, said investigators took Rocky to the vet. She added: “The initial reaction of the dog when it was given food was one of confusion.

“The vet believed Rocky’s suffering had been going on for at least two to three months.”

Paterson had refused to hand over the dog to the RSPCA. It then called police, who seized the dog and placed him in the charity’s care.

The court heard it had not been possible to give Rocky a new home, since Paterson was still the legal owner. Paterson said he had never intended to hurt the dog and was incredibly sorry.

However, Dr Perkins-Van-Mil, chairman of the bench, had no hesitation in taking Rocky away from him at Friday’s hearing – banning him from owning any animal for five years He was also ordered he pay £500 towards the RSPCA’s costs in the case, which were said to be £2,587.