A CROSS-bred dog suffered for years as a result of its owners’ neglect.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Rosy was emaciated and had to be put down when she was finally taken to the vets.

The court was told that because of an untreated bowel infection the dog would “yelp and shake” when it tried to go to the toilet and this had been going on for months.

Daniel Phillip Livesey, 28, and Lyndsay Livesey, 36, both of Derby Street, Accrington, were convicted in their absence of two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to Rosy and one of failing in their duty of care towards the animal.

Daniel Livesey was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 10 days’ rehabilitation and 60 hours’ unpaid work.

He was ordered to pay £200 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

Lyndsay Livesey was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 10 days’ rehabilitation and a curfew between 7pm and 7am for six weeks.

She was ordered to pay £200 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

They were both banned from keeping pets for 10 years.

Paul Ridehalgh, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said Rosy was taken to the vet in March because of a swelling to her face.

That was caused by a severe infection but the vet was more concerned about her emaciated condition.

The vet recommended euthanasia and the owners agreed.

When he was interviewed, Daniel Livesey said he had been feeding the dog but it had not put on weight.

He said its bones had been visible for at least two years.

He also admitted being aware of the dog’s difficulty going to the toilet for at least six months.

“This was prolonged neglect leading to serious harm,” said Mr Ridehalgh.

Richard Prew, defending, said there was no doubt Rosy was suffering for some time and that suffering had got progressively worse.

“I think it was a combination of not having the wherewithal or the funds to look after the animal,” said Mr Prew.

“Unfortunately it was too late for Rosy by the time she was taken to the vets.”

He said his clients were convicted in their absence but would have pleaded guilty had they been in court.

“They accept they had a duty to look after Rosy and they failed in that,” said Mr Prew.

“They were accessing food banks to feed themselves and couldn’t afford the vet.”