A family who failed to take a suffering dog to the vet have been banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

A senior vet reckoned boxer Josie’s ear infection was the worst he had seen.

Amanda Marsh, aged 47, and her parents James Marsh, 69, and Jean Marsh, 67, all of Tipton, admitted two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and failing to take reasonable steps to prevent the animal suffering.

They were all given three-year-conditional discharges and ordered to pay £500 each in costs by magistrates in West Bromwich.

The RSPCA found the white 13-year-old boxer, Josie, tethered in the back garden of the parents’ home in Hawthorne Road.

The severe ear infection was up to six months old and was described by a senior vet as the worst he had seen in his 20-year career.

Josie was also suffering from a skin disease, a tumour and had fleas.

The court was told the pet also belonged to Amanda Marsh, of Highfield Road, who visited it every day after allowing it to stay at her parents’ home 11 years ago.

She attempted to clean the ear infection with warm water and disinfectant, but did not take it to a vet because of concerns over the cost, the court heard.

Nick Sutton, prosecuting, revealed the animal had been hospitalised for a week after being rescued by RSPCA officers, but had now made a full recovery and was being looked after at a dogs’ home.

Helen Pinning, defending, said Josie was a “much-loved family pet” and all three were very regretful of their actions.

Magistrate Keith Barnfield told the family: “Clearly, the dog suffered over a prolonged period of time and you must have been aware of that suffering.

“You all three have health issues and have been very prompt in getting yourselves medical attention.

“It is unfortunate that you didn’t give that same consideration to Josie.”

RSPCA inspector Jayne Bashford, speaking after the case, said: “It is another example of a cruelty issue that could so easily have been avoided if they had sought early veterinary care.

“Charities exist to help.”