A BRIDGWATER pair have been sentenced after leaving their dog to suffer with 'horrendous' injuries.

Scott Ayres and Leanne Hodge, of Haygrove Park Road, went before Taunton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, August 29, for leaving a Patterdale terrier, Archie, with an injured lower jaw and puncture wounds to his face and body.

The dog was rescued by the RSPCA in October 2017.

The two were accused of causing unnecessary suffering to the protected animal, failed to provide prompt or effective veterinary care, and didn't meet the dog's needs to be protected from pain, suffering or injury.

Scott Ayres, 26, was sentenced to 12 weeks custody, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work when he appeared before Taunton Magistrates on Wednesday 29 August. He was also banned from keeping dogs for ten years and ordered to pay £415 in court costs after being found guilty of two offences.

Leanne Hodge, 23, was also disqualified from keeping dogs for ten years and ordered to carry out a 16-week curfew order and was deprived of ownership of Archie at hearing in the same court on August 23, after pleading guilty to the same two offences.

RSPCA Inspector Jo Daniel, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “There had been a clear failure and there was no evidence of the couple seeking help or attempting to get proper treatment. Archie had a significant injury and was suffering. The couple had provided woefully inadequate care.”

Archie has since recovered from his injuries during his time in the care of the charity.