A COUPLE who failed to get a vet to treat their Staffy before she died have been banned from keeping dogs for three years.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, called Mitzy, passed away after suffering a urinary tract infection, while owners Mark Louth and Sharon Parry made half-hearted efforts to seek medical aid.

South Cheshire Magistrates' Court heard that Parry abandoned attempts to contact one vets practice because she was told to send an email.

The pair buried Mitzy in their back garden, but RSPCA officials launched an investigation and exhumed the dog for an autopsy.

Prosecuting for the RSPCA, Kevin Worthington, said: "The animal had been suffering from a case of pyometra which the vet said caused nausea and vomiting.

"It was obvious the animal was ill, it had collapsed four or five weeks before and the vet said it was suffering from 92 to 100 hours before it died."

The prosecutor added that there appeared to have been an "element of well-intentioned but incompetent care" of the dog.

As the couple's solicitor, Ruth Oakes, outlined: "They tried to make enquiries and they did phone one veterinary service but were told they would have to send an email.

"Sharon (Parry) says she does not know how to send an email - they are both not particularly good at using the internet.

"They did make enquiries but they gave up fairly easily."

Louth, 48, and Parry, 49, of Claughton Avenue, Crewe both admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal between June 1 and 4 this year.

The court was told that Mitzy was an "old dog" and a "loved family pet". The couple also own another dog and were distraught at the prospect of having that animal seized by the RSPCA.

"They feel regret and they do miss the dog," added Ms Oakes. "There is an acceptance from both of them that they could have done more to assist her. They became aware the dog was ill, but put in context the dog was quite old."

District Judge Nick Sanders banned both Louth and Parry from owning or keeping dogs for three years and imposed a section 35 order so that their other dog will be taken into the care of the RSPCA.

"The dog may have died as it was clearly very ill, but the failure to get veterinary help is a concern," said the judge.

The couple were also each placed under a conditional discharge for two years and ordered to pay RSPCA prosecution costs of £250 each and a victim surcharge of £22 each.