WARNING: Graphic images in the picture gallery above

AN OSWESTRY woman left her dog with an horrific skin and eye condition which meant the animal suffered in agony for months.

Stephanie Crossley's black Labrador Abbie was so ill that the vet decided she had to be put to sleep to end her suffering.

RSPCA Inspector Kate Parker who investigated the incident said that it was one of the most upsetting cases she has dealt with because the dog would have been in constant pain and barely able to see.

Crossley, 45, of Cherry Tree Drive, pleaded guilty to an animal welfare offence of failing to seek veterinary care for her four-year-old dog when she appeared before Telford Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard how the RSPCA was called to investigate the condition of the dog following a report by a concerned member of the public.

Abbie was rushed to a vet where she was found to have an untreated skin condition which had resulted in thickened, inflamed and infected skin around her face.

It had thickened to the point of being grey and solid, known as elephantine skin, which also caused an extremely uncomfortable eye condition called entropion. The eyelids fold inwards and the eyelashes continuously rub against the cornea causing constant irritation.

Abbie was left in that state between April 18 and July 1, 2018, while Crossley failed to get her the veterinary attention she needed.

Inspector Parker said: “Poor Abbie had an awful skin condition which was left untreated and this caused her condition which meant her eyelashes were rubbing on her eyes constantly - which must have been horrendous.

“Imagine how it feels when you have an eyelash in your eye - this dog had all hers in her eye and couldn’t relieve her own suffering for months - she would have endured constant pain and would have been unable to see. It must have been terrifying for her.

“The vet believes she suffered like this for at least three months however records show she had a skin condition dating back to when she was eight weeks old.

“During interview I asked Crossley how she could just sit at home and watch her dog suffer like that and she told me it was difficult - yet she still didn’t seek veterinary treatment.”

The vet who examined Abbie also found she had hip problems and due to her other chronic health issues it was decided the kindest thing to do would be put her to sleep.

Inspector Parker added: “It was so upsetting to see Abbie in this state, she was such a lovely and affectionate dog. There is never any excuse to not seek veterinary treatment when a pet is clearly in need.”

Crossley was banned from keeping all animals for five years and has to give up her two other dogs and seven cats within 10 days.

She was also fined £298 and ordered to pay £380 costs.