A MAN whose dog was found roaming the streets with open sores and a rotten tail has been found guilty of neglect.

John Humphries-Cuff, 37, of Frampton-on-Severn was ordered to undertake 240 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 in court costs when he appeared before magistrates on Monday.

His dog, Goffio, was found by a council dog warden, prompting an investigation by animal welfare charity the RSPCA.

The Presa Canario was taken in by Teckels animal sanctuary in Whitminster in what inspectors described as “a terrible state”.

RSPCA inspector Philip Mann said: “Goffio is such a lovely friendly dog - he’s a real gentle giant.

“It’s heartbreaking to think he was left to suffer without the veterinary care he desperately needed.

“The sores had been there for months and months and his tail was in such a terrible state it had completely rotted.

“Goffio was a security dog but sadly he wasn’t given security from pain and suffering he deserved in his own life.

“He was also underweight when he was rescued but thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team at Stubbington Ark RSPCA Animal Shelter, and particularly Hannah Nandhra, he has now recovered and is doing great.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to Stroud District Council’s animal welfare officers and Teckels animal sanctuary who helped him when he was found straying and raised concerns for his welfare.”

Mr Humphries-Cuff denied knowing about the condition of his dog’s tail, claiming he had not seen his dogs in daylight for several days.

He also told the court he had been treating the sores himself with antiseptic spray.

Following a two-day trial, he was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide suitable veterinary care for the necrotic and infected tail and failing to provide veterinary care for the open sores.

He was also found guilty of failing to meet Goffio’s needs by not ensuring he maintained a suitable body weight.

The RSPCA hopes to rehome Goffio if no appeal is lodged within 21 days.