A 15-year-old springer spaniel dog called Bonnie was left in an weak and emaciated condition because Carl Vickers did not provide veterinary care for her.

Vickers, 36, was ordered to pay more than £3,500 by Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston magistrates who heard Bonnie, formerly a working dog, had to be put to sleep.

The court heard Vickers, a manager at D and J Vickers car body repairs in Birkenhead, lived with his wife and two children in Denhall Lane, Burton, Neston, and they had a family dog called Clio.

Vickers, who represents Great Britain in clay pigeon shooting, was looking after Bonnie for about seven months while his parents were in Thailand. Christopher Johnson, prosecuting, told the court an RSPCA inspector went to Denhall Lane.

"As the spaniel got up the inspector could see she was in an emaciated condition and the backbone was protruding under the fur," he said.

"There were two open wounds on the legs and the fur appeared to have small pieces of white on the skin which was dry and flaky. As she walked around she appeared laboured and stiff."

Bonnie was examined by David Martin, a vet from Ellesmere, Shropshire, and it was concluded she was suffering and would have to be put to sleep.

Vickers admitted one count of failing to provide veterinary care and another of failing to protect the dog from pain, suffering, injury and disease between March 14 and April 14.

An animal pathologist revealed Bonnie also had a large tumour.

Mr Johnson said: "The RSPCA stance is not that the defendant should have identified the morbid condition of Bonnie, but that it should have been clear to any reasonable person that the emaciated animal should be examined by the veterinary service."

Defending, Katie Mickleburgh said: "This was not deliberate ill treatment of the animal. She was an elderly dog and a much-loved family pet.

"He's asked me to make you aware he deeply regrets this incident."

Magistrates chairman Fraser Fowlie said the case had been 'aggravated' because Bonnie had to be put down, but referred to Vickers' 'excellent references'.

Vickers was ordered to pay costs of £3,874.26 which included prosecution costs, RSPCA investigation costs and veterinary bills. He was also fined £300 with a victim surcharge of £15.

The court decided not to impose a ban on him owning pets.