A WEST Highland Terrier had such a large tumour growing on its ear that its head lolled to one side the RSPCA has claimed after bringing a man to court on animal cruelty charges.

But Kenneth Mackenzie, 53, of Newcroft Close, Calne, believed that if he took the pet to the vets it would be a one-way journey, and wanted the dog to die in the comfort of his own home after his wife left him.

Tanwyn James, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA told magistrates that officers had been tipped off about the dog’s wellbeing and called at the house to find the terrier – known as Max – in the kitchen with his head leaning against the kitchen cupboard.

She said: “They noticed the fur was covered in blood and the ear had a large mass on it which was weeping.

"The dog was holding its head to one side as if it was weighed down.”

The nine year old dog was found to be severely underweight, but when officers spoke to Mackenzie he told them Max was nearing the end of his life.

He explained in interview with the RSPCA that the growth had been present for a year, maybe longer.

The RSPCA took the dog into surgery and found the growth to be a tumour which was removed, and a course of drugs were prescribed.

Defending Mackenzie, Michael Jeary told the court that Max had made a full recovery and was living with a new family.

Mackenzie also has another dog which was found to be in perfect health, but this dog has also now been rehomed.

He said: “His wife left him which caused a significant amount of depression.

“When he did address the level of suffering the dog was going through he was of the belief that if he did go to the vets it would a one way trip and the dog would have been put down and he was desperate for the dog to stay at home, despite the pain it was in.

“He is deeply ashamed of the pain that he put that dog through and it has all been pointless because the intervention of the surgeon and the application of the drugs caused the dog to recover in a matter of days.”

Sentencing him, chairman of the bench Jane Flew said that although there were no previous offences, and the other dog was in perfect health, Mackenzie would be sentenced to a 12 month community order an 180 hours of unpaid work.

She said: “We have reduced your sentence because you have pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, you would have been facing an even longer term of work if you hadn’t and we might even have been looking at a custodial sentence.

“You will also pay the prosecution costs of £300 and a victim surcharge of £60.”

Mackenzie was also banned from keeping any animals for five years, although he can appeal this after three years.

RSPCA inspector Miranda Albinson who investigated the case said: “I found Max in the corner of a room in the defendant’s house in a terrible state.

"Not only was his tumour gruesome and shocking - it was like something out of a horror film - but the poor boy was dirty and emaciated and I have rarely seen a more depressed dog in all of my time at the RSPCA.

"He barely even had the enthusiasm to respond to me and that just goes to show exactly how much pain he must have been in - it was just a very sad case and I dread to think of how much he must have suffered.

“We are pleased with the result at Swindon Magistrates’ Court yesterday and are glad that the Magistrates’ took this heartbreaking and inexcusable case of neglect so seriously.

“Since then, Max has been successfully treated, his tumour has been removed, and it’s like he’s got a new lease of life - he’s a different dog now.

"He’s improving daily and the difference in his behaviour is just remarkable.

"He also has been lucky enough to find a loving new home already and I’m truly over the moon that a dog as sweet as Max can now put this experience behind him. He has a much happier future ahead.”