A couple who prosecutors say left their 10-year-old German shepherd, Raven, suffering with open sores and infected wounds because of financial concerns pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor animal neglect and will stand trial later this month.

Betty and Donald Lockett, 57, of Daly City, appeared in the South San Francisco courthouse on the single charge and asked for court-appointed attorneys. Each pleaded not guilty and did not waive their right to a speedy trial. They return to court June 10 for a pretrial conference and June 22 for a jury trial.

The District Attorney’s Office lodged the criminal charge against the Locketts after receiving the case from the Peninsula Humane Society. PHS received a digital photo of Raven via its complaint address on its Web site in mid-January and contacted the couple for further investigation, according to PHS spokesman Scott Delucchi.

Raven was a 10-year-old German shepherd but looked 21 because he was in such poor health, Delucchi.

The dog had clouded eyes, an emaciated frame, hair missing around a bandage on an open sore and live maggots living in his left ear canal, according to the prosecution.

The last record of medical treatment was in August 2005 for the dog which has an incurable skin condition, Wagstaffe said.

He was ultimately euthanized and the Locketts charged after the necropsy.

The couple allegedly told authorities they were financially strapped and didn’t think a veterinarian could help. Instead, they wanted the dog to die naturally at home, Wagstaffe said.

Ill animals or those whose owners can no longer afford them can be surrendered to PHS.

If convicted, the Locketts each face up to a year in jail for the misdemeanor.

They remain free from custody on their own recognizance.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102.