A couple allowed their pet's skin condition to get so bad that “thickened rhino skin” replaced fur on half her body.

Lane Elliott had already been banned from owning animals for life, yet along with Tina Wilson, left the bulldog's skin condition untreated for months.

With raw skin oozing pus and claws growing into her pads the dog, Coco, was in such pain when she was rescued by the RSPCA that a vet said the kindest thing to do was to put her to sleep.

RSPCA inspector Andrew Kirby said: “Coco was just sitting on the sofa when I arrived - lethargic, in pain and looking very, very sad.

“Her skin condition was obvious - she only had fur on about half of her body and her legs, muzzle and underbelly were completely bare.

"Her skin was thickened like rhino skin, and was red raw and oozing puss.

“She also had claws growing into the pads of her paws and could barely walk. She was just utterly miserable.”

Elliott, of Cranham Square, Marden, and Wilson, of Sandhurst Close, Tunbridge Wells, appeared at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court where both pleaded guilty to failing to maintain adequate medication.

Elliott also pleaded guilty to breaching a life disqualification on keeping all animals, which he had been given in 2011.

Coco was thought to be just two to three years-old.

Elliott was sentenced to 60 days in prison, suspended for 18 months, a 20-day rehabilitation order, six months alcohol treatment, and was made to pay £437.50 costs.

He previously received a lifetime disqualification on keeping all animals in 2011.

Wilson was disqualified from keeping dogs for five years, given a 12-month community order; two-month night time curfew and made to pay £337.50 costs.