A FATHER and son have been banned from keeping any animals for 10 years after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to their pets.

Harry Riley, 71, and Alan Riley, 48, of Derby Street, Accrington were also sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to each pay £50 costs for the "gross neglect" of their cross breed terrier Zak and cross breed dog Misty.

The dogs, who were 10 years old, had to be put down because their condition was so poor Hyndburn magistrates heard yesterday.

The bench was shown photographs of both animals by Chris Wyatt, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA.

The court heard that Misty, a black female, had an untreated tumour on her stomach, was suffering hair loss to most of her back and had overgrown claws.

A vet believed she had suffered for at least three months.

Zak was suffering hair loss to nearly all his body, his skin was itchy and red with infection and his claws were overgrown. His mouth was diseased with infected gums.

Mr Wyatt said: "The condition of both dogs was quite appalling. The degree of neglect is gross."

The court heard that Harry Riley contacted the RSPCA at Altham on April 29 saying he could not afford to treat Misty. An RSPCA inspector went to the house and took the animals to a vet where they were put down because of their pathetic state.

The court heard that Harry Riley said he did not ask for help earlier because of lack of money.

Bernard Horne, defending said it was only over the past 12 months that the Rileys had difficulty caring for their pets.