A family caused so much suffering to their 10-year-old pet dog that it had to be put down, a court heard.

Caroline Andrews, 69, her husband Ronald Andrews, 71, and their daughter Stephanie Andrews, 43, all of Grasmere Road, Swinton, all admitted failing to take reasonable steps to ensure the health of collie Bruno, and failing to take him to the vets for treatment, when they appeared at Salford magistrates court.

When the RSPCA rescued the dog last July, he was underweight, dehydrated, infested with fleas, had a large tumour on his head and couldn’t open his eyes because they were stuck together with discharge.

The vet, investigating for internal tumours, said Bruno couldn’t open his jaw without crying out in pain.

David McCormick, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said: “The inspector found the dog lying on the kitchen floor, covered in fleas with mucus coming from his eyes and nose, and he was severely underweight.

“When interviewed mr Andrews said the dog was owned by his daughter, but that they were all responsible for its care.”

Melanie Winstanley, defending Stephanie Andrews, said her client was devastated by the death of Bruno, who they all considered to be a member of the family.

She said her client had thought the discharge from his eyes and nose was the result of a cold and had obtained advice from a pet shop.

She said: “Had the symptoms persisted, she was going to take him to the vet.”

Adam Clarke, defending Caroline and Ronald said: “They are not trying to play down their role and were devastated and extremely remorseful by what happened.”

Trevor Laverock, chairman of the bench, said the family had been given credit for pleading guilty at the first available opportunity, but said: “There are a number of things about this case which make it more serious, including the condition of the dog and the vet’s report, which indicated the dog’s poor health had been long term. we believe there was negligence which caused suffering to the animal, and that a medium to high term community order could be appropriate.”

The case was adjourned until Tuesday, Febuary 1, for pre-sentence reports.