A HAMPSHIRE author who neglected his elderly spaniel has been banned from keeping dogs for two years.

Eastleigh magistrates were told an RSPCA inspector had called at the West End home of David Wright, only to find one of his two King Charles spaniels suffering from a skin condition and overgrown claws which were causing "considerable discomfort".

Mark Collins, prosecuting for the RSPCA, told the bench: "When the inspector arrived she saw one healthy dog but the other appeared underweight and had flaking skin. One was suffering dermatological problems and an ear infection. He was also suffering from long ingrowing claws on his hind feet."

Both dogs were immediately taken into the RSPCA's care and placed in an animal shelter.

Wright, 51, of The Shrubs, Allington Lane, pleaded guilty to a charge of cruelty to animals. He was fined £75 and ordered to pay £75 costs.

An RSPCA investigation found the dogs' condition had gone down hill after Wright's marriage hit the rocks and his wife left him.

Wright - author of a controversial book on the mystery disappearance of legendary band leader Glen Miller - was not represented in court.

He handed magistrates a written plea of mitigation, adding: "I always tried my best to look after my dogs. I have become bankrupt and have had to go on the dole and my life has been a nightmare. All I have got left in my life is my dogs."

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