THE mother of a man who claimed he had discovered an emaciated dog in Woodrow - which later had to be destroyed - has been jailed for six months for causing the animal unnecessary suffering.

Shirley Mentos, aged 53, of Astley Close, Woodrow, who appeared before Redditch magistrates in Kidderminster on Thursday, also received a life ban from keeping animals and has now lodged an appeal.

In March last year her son Jason, 27, claimed he had discovered a neglected dog dumped on Dingleside Middle School's playing fields.

He alleged he had taken the Collie crossbreed back to his house and called Redditch Council's dog warden.

But it was later revealed it was through his mistreatment that the animal was in such an appalling condition it had to be put down.

Mentos was also sentenced to six months in prison earlier this year.

RSPCA Inspector Simon Dix said: "This was the worst case I have dealt with in my 18 years with the RSPCA and it touched everyone involved with it.

"This dog, which was about two or three years old and called Titan, was obviously starved to death and there was no reason or explanation as to why."

Mr Dix added the cases were brought following an appeal in the Redditch Advertiser.