A Stockport man who consistently failed to seek veterinary treatment for his poorly Rottweiler has been given a 10-year animal ban and a suspended prison sentence.

Fifty-five-year-old Anthony Harding, of Falmouth Crescent in Brinnington, had been warned by the RSPCA to take his pet dog Isa to a vet - and was even given financial assistance to do so - but failed to get her the help she needed.

Pictures of Isa seen by the RSPCA showed she had yellow discharge around her eyes and 'extremely long nails' - one nail was measured at 65mm in length.

Isa was seized from Harding's property, with help from the police, on 28 June 2025.

Subsequent tests, including blood samples and x-rays also revealed that Isa had spinal issues and mammary tumours, both commonly seen in older dogs.

A vet said she was suffering or likely to suffer if her circumstances didn't change.

Isa was given ongoing palliative care but was sadly put to sleep three months later after the vet said her welfare was compromised.

At a hearing at Manchester Magistrates Court on 30 October, Harding was given an 18-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, after being found guilty in his absence of one animal welfare offence at an earlier date following a prosecution by the RSPCA.

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Providing evidence to the court, the vet who saw her said: "The two most apparent issues were the eye disease and the overly long nails - both readily treatable conditions which could have been fully resolved by seeking prompt veterinary treatment.

"The dog appeared to have modified the way she walked to account for the overly long nails on the front feet.

"Chronic skin issues can be challenging to treat, however if flea infestation is a major complicating factor (as is suspected in this case given the response to treatment), significant relief for the patient can be achieved quickly and simply.

"The patient seemed weak on her back legs, appearing unsteady on her back feet especially when turning slowly. Isa also had greenish discharge from both eyes."

All the issues identified as causing her suffering could have been effectively mitigated if her owner had sought veterinary attention, magistrates were told.

In mitigation it was said that Harding, who was also ordered to pay £400 costs and a £154 victim surcharge, had mental health, drug and alcohol issues.