A DOG owner who left his pet in a dirty yard with no food for a week has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

Mark Griffiths, of no fixed address, abandoned the his German Shepherd called Sabre at his former address in Lilley Street, Bolton, after he was made homeless.

Griffiths, aged 30, was found guilty of neglect in his absence at an earlier hearing at Bolton Magistrates’ Court.

Yesterday, he told magistrates: “I admit my dog was not in the best condition.

“I was evicted from my home and lost my business. I contacted the RSPCA and they could not take him.

“I did what I thought was the best thing but I made a mistake and apologise.”

Griffiths was evicted from his home on May 22, and the dog was seen by a vet on June 2 after the RSPCA intervened.

When Sabre was examined by a vet he weighed 25kg, but should have weighed at least 35kg.

He was in a state of severe emaciation, his coat was in a poor condition and he was dirty.

The dog had overgrown claws and was suffering from diarrhoea. The cost of the case, which includes the investigation, vet fees and kennel costs was £3,700.

Griffiths was banned from keeping animals for 10 years, ordered to carry out 120 hours unpaid work and contribute £250 towards prosecution costs.

Sabre is now in the card of the RSPCA.