A man has been banned from keeping animals for life after having an emaciated pet dog at his home in Walsall.

The German Shepherd cross was so weak it struggled to stand up after weeks of unnecessary suffering, magistrates were told.

David Timms admitted failing to feed the animal an adequate diet and was yesterday given a lifetime ban on having pets. The 28 year-old, of Reedswood Gardens, Walsall, was told that the decision could not be reviewed for 10 years and he must also pay £500 RSPCA costs.

Walsall Magistrates Court was told the 13 year-old dog named Bengi had dropped to nearly half his ideal weight.

The RSPCA was called to the address on August 31 last year after neighbours became growingly concerned. The black and tan- coloured dog has since been re-homed.

He was taken to the vets weighing 8.4kg when the dog should have been in the region of 16kg.

The malnourished animal was kept on behalf of the RSPCA and by September 26, just weeks later, it was weighing 14.1kg.

Mrs Gaynor Sutton, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said: “The dog was so weak and so thin it was unsteady on its legs. The vet said the dog had been exposed to unnecessary suffering for a significant period of time of at least four weeks.”

When interviewed by the RSPCA Timms said the dog was fed regularly most days but he had been struggling for cash.

Mrs Sheila Hicklin, defending, said her client suffered from learning difficulties and had not purchased the animal but it had been deposited at his home.

She said he tried to call the RSPCA but when the line was busy he didn’t persevere. Magistrates also made a community order with 12 months supervision.