A MAN was remanded on unconditional bail after causing "unnecessary suffering" to a dog by allowing it to develop ingrown toenails.

Preston Magistrates Court heard that between February 4 2020 and March 6 2020 Barry Alexander McGuinness caused unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, in this case a black and white male bulldog named Eric at a property on Haywood Road, Accrington.

The court heard that he caused this suffering by failing to provide necessary nail care and attention for Eric, which resulted in the dog developing ingrown toenails.

Proceedings also heard how Mr McGuinness, who now lives in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, had failed to address the causes of Eric's poor bodily condition and weight loss when Mr McGuinness knew or ought reasonably to have known that the failure would have that effect or be likely to do so.

The court ruled the charges against Mr McGuinness as "proved in absence" after the defendant's failure to attend proceedings.

He was then remanded on unconditional bail until July 20 2021 at which time he will have to appear for sentencing.