A man who failed to treat his “emaciated” dog for an eye condition was banned from keeping animals for three years yesterday .

A man who failed to treat his "emaciated" dog for an eye con-dition was yesterday banned from keeping animals for three years.

Adam Brown, of Queensway, Thetford, admitted two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to the black cross terrier called Buck by not providing an adequate diet or veterinary care between April 6 and 25.

Thetford Magistrates' Court also ordered him to do 120 hours' unpaid work in the community.

Hayley Saunders, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said Insp David Podmore was called to Brown's address following concerns from a member of the public. On arrival, he found the two-year-old dog in "poor bodily condition", "lethargic" and its eyes were partly closed and swollen.

Brown, 31, handed Buck over to the RSPCA. The dog was at least 7kgs underweight and had deep ulcers to his eyes, the court heard.

"He would have suffered for a period of at least a month and the cornea ulcers were obvious and left to deteriorate to such an extent that his eyes had ruptured and it was lucky to prevent the loss of his sight," said Miss Saunders.

She added that a Staffordshire bull terrier called Sly, which was also emaciated, was taken by the RSPCA, but returned to Brown. Buck made a successful recovery and was rehomed, the court heard.

Diane Fairley, in mitigation, said her client was "ashamed", but he could not afford to take Buck to the vet.

"His actions were not done deliberately, but done out of ignorance. Sly is his best friend and if he loses the dog, he would lose everything. He is on his own," she said.

Magistrates gave Brown two weeks to find his other dog a new home before his ban comes into effect.