AN unemployed Poole man wept uncontrollably after a court heard how his elderly dog had been so badly neglected it had to be put immediately to sleep.

Kevin Rolfe, 47, from Pear Close, was banned from keeping dogs for five years after admitting causing unnecessary suffering between October 10 and November 19 last year.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, on behalf of the RSPCA, Matthew Knight said a terrier cross called Amber, found at Rolfe’s home, had been the victim of “gross neglect”.

She was dirty, matted, covered in warts and suffering from eye and ear infections. A shocked vet who examined her said he had never seen a dog’s teeth in such poor condition, describing her as “weak, disorientated and in chronic pain”.

Mr Knight said Amber had been thin and was discovered in a dirty, urine-soaked kitchen.

“The dog suffered for months, rather than weeks, with little care and attention. All these conditions could have been treated.”

He added that the father of two had admitted not taking Amber to the vet’s because of her age.

In his defence, the court heard that Amber had “adopted” Rolfe after she had been ill-treated.

Mr Jeffrey Norrie-Miller said: “At first he used mild shampoos on her but later thought it might cause more harm for the dog if he continued the treatments.”

He stressed that Rolfe was “genuinely remorseful” and that the case had caused him “great distress.”

Sentencing Rolfe, who sat sobbing with his head bowed in the dock, Judge Roger Jarvis said: “I have looked at the photos of this poor and wretched animal and listened with disgust and dismay at the existence you caused this animal to endure for a significant period.”

He imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for a year, and a three-month curfew which will be electronically monitored.

Speaking after the case Poole and Purbeck RSPCA inspector Graham Hammond said: “We are pleased with the sentence, which sends out a clear message that you must care for your animal’s needs.”