A COURT has ordered a husband and his estranged wife to pay £750 each for failing to seek treatment for a pet dog suffering a painful eye condition.

Rolo, a 14½-year-old dachshund, was in such pain it had to be destroyed, Taunton Magistrates’ Court heard.

Stephen Walding, 54, of Allington Close, Taunton, and Sarah Walding, 50, of Brough-ton Close, Taunton, both admitted failing to ensure that the dog’s needs were met by not providing adequate veterinary care.

They denied three other charges which were dismissed.

Neil Scott, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said Insp Jo Daniel spotted Rolo in Mrs Walding’s house while investigating another matter.

Though a vet said the animal appeared otherwise healthy it had glaucoma with an enlar-ged left eyeball which was protruding, cloudy and with puss which made it “very painful”.

It was blind in the other eye, which was not painful.

Mr Scott said: “If it had been seen regularly this could have been addressed.”

Chris Baddoo, defending, said Mr Walding was at the house while Mrs Walding recovered from a virus she picked up while she was abroad.

He said Rolo had previously seen a vet for an eye infection, which later cleared up, but deteriorated rapidly before Insp Daniel’s visit in July last year.

Magistrates imposed an 18-month conditional discharge on both defendants, ordering them to each pay £250 costs to the RSPCA and £500 court costs.

Chairman of the bench Pierce Brunt did not ban the Waldings from keeping animals as it was “an isolated incident and other animals in your care weren’t at risk”.

After the case Insp Daniel said: “We hope this sends the message that not only do you need to take animals to the vet if they’re sick or injured, but you need to follow up to prevent them from suffering.”