A jobless man who left his two pet dogs to suffer in his Walsall home to such an “extensive degree” that they had open sores and infections has been banned for life from keeping animals.

Stan Bates, aged 40, of Forrester Street, Pleck, had originally denied five counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals. But he pleaded guilty to two of the charges of failing to get his dogs veterinary treatment at the eleventh hour, with the other three being dismissed by Walsall Magistrates Court yesterday.

The court heard how Bates was responsible for a rottweiler named Lady and a Staffordshire bull terrier called Bella.

Both dogs were found to be suffering from severe cases of mange and when Bates, along with Jackie Hurst, 47, and daughter, Katie Hurst, 20, belatedly took them to a vet, they were reported to the RSPCA.

Mr Nick Sutton, prosecuting, told the court Bates’ daughter and partner had already been convicted of ill-treating five puppies, whose health problems he said had likely been caught from Bates’ two dogs.

He said the two dogs were found to have infections around their eyes and bad cases of worms.

Naj Ali, defending, said Bates was working at the time of the offences and had paid £175 of vets bills but he is now unemployed and seeking work.

Bates was banned from keeping animals for life and cannot appeal for 10 years. He was also ordered to pay £350 costs and carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.