A DOG lost 60 per cent of its body hair after a mum of seven failed to get it veterinary treatment for a flea allergy, a court heard.

Crossbreed Max was covered in sores and riddled with fleas when found by RSPCA inspector Graham Hammond at the property in High Street, Swanage, on December 2 last year, Bournemouth Magistrates heard.

Prosecuting for the RSPCA, Matthew Knight said that owner Karen Dutton, a catering supervisor at a café at Durlston Country Park, told Inspector Hammond she had failed to get the dog veterinary treatment because of "lack of money".

A subsequent examination revealed that Max was suffering from severe flea allergic dermatitis with signs of chronic irritation. He was also found to have a growth at his rear end, had pressure sores and had probably been in pain for at least three weeks, said Mr Knight.

Dutton, 45, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to crossbreed Max under Section 4 (1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 between November 11 and December 2, 2007.

Defending, Nicola Jinks said that Max had been "inherited" aged eight with an existing skin condition.

She said: "Over the years he has been to the vets on a number of occasions. They got the impression from the vet there was not really much more they could do."

Dutton and the family had also attempted to treat Max's skin condition with aloe vera, she said.

"He looked pretty bad but was not showing any signs of distress," she said. "He was a much-loved family pet. She didn't for a second think he was in pain but she accepts she should have known."

A warning notice was issued over another pet dog, Monty, which had medium hair loss at its rear end.

District Judge Roger House said: "There is a tremendous difference between people who inflict cruelty on purpose on animals and those who are very much in your category that for one reason or another haven't brought about proper care."

Dutton was handed a conditional discharge for two years and ordered to pay £420 prosecution costs.

Speaking afterwards, RSPCA inspector Graham Hammond said: "If means are a problem then the PDSA are available and the RSPCA will sometimes help.

"However, anybody who considers owning a pet should think about the financial means in the first place, as animals are quite expensive."