A JACK Russell that lost a leg because of lack of treatment and a pony that was half the weight it should have been, are among the worst cases of animal cruelty in the last year.

The cases were highlighted in the RSPCA's annual cruelty statistics announced today.

The charity obtained 105 convictions in Lancashire last year, and investigated 3,147 complaints.

They made 303 rescues, 3,765 collections, and brought 18 cases to court.

When Stanley, a young Jack Russell suffered a broken leg, instead of taking him straight to a vet, owner Michelle Clarkson, of Church, left him untreated for days.

Clarkson claimed the dog was given some veterinary treatment earlier but admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Stanley by not ensuring he received immediate attention.

She was fined £200 and ordered to pay £50 costs when she appeared before magistrates at Hyndburn, but the dog was returned to her.

An elderly pony called Duke was half his normal weight and in "appalling" condition when found by RSPCA inspectors.

Aged around 20, he was found in a stable off Tottleworth Road, Rishton, in October 2001.

Inspectors found no evidence of food being left for him and on veterinary advice Duke was put to sleep.

His owner Allan Clynch, 56, from Rishton, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Duke when he appeared before the bench at Hyndburn in May last year.

Brian Jeffries, RSPCA chief inspector for Lancashire, said: "In my 22 years as an RSPCA inspector I have never seen a pony or horse so emaciated and still alive. I could put my entire fist behind his last ribs. It was an awful sight."