JAXS, a local Jack Russell terrier has been subjected to paparazzi-style invasions of his privacy, after being advised to wear sunglasses to protect his eyes.

Jaxs’ owner, Maria Domanic said she has had enough of visitors and locals pointing, laughing and taking photos of Jaxs.

Jaxs, 14, has a weak immune system, and is allergic to grass and various foods – including milk, protein and oats. He is also sensitive to light and cannot see without dark glasses. He suffers from immune mediated blepharitis, meaning he has cysts in his eyes that remove the pigment. He was taking steroids for this condition, but has had to stop due to a heart condition.

Maria said: ‘I’m fed up with it. He’s suffering and has had so many cameras pointed in his face this summer that he now hides his face away from strangers.

‘I just want people to be made aware that he has to wear the glasses for medical reasons, and they’re there to protect his eyes. Shoving cameras in his face is just making him really nervous.’

Maria continued: ‘One guy walked up to him on the Quay, shoved a camera in his face and took a picture of him. When I asked him not to take pictures, he told me he was on holiday from Newcastle.

‘I told him I don’t care where he comes from, and that he should delete the photo. ‘He was offended, but he did delete it.’

Maria has said that she hopes when people see this article that they will leave Jaxs alone.

‘It’s just getting too much for him,’ Maria added.

A spokesperson for Abbotskerswell Veterinary Centre said: ‘Although he always looks smart and stylish, Jaxs has many allergies which means he has to keep his paws covered and wear special glasses to shield his eyes from the sun.’

In 2011, the Gazette reported that Jaxs was able to walk again with the aid of a pair of mediboots. At the time, Maria told the Gazette she had been accused of being cruel ’for dressing her dog up.’

Maria explained that if he walks on grass without boots ‘he gets red pads and they bleed.’ She said he was taking medication and had tried socks and bandages on his paws, but shoes work best.

In 2011, a nurse at Selworthy Vets explained Jaxs’ mediboots are ‘breathable, padded, not too heavy and he tolerates them really well.’

’Maria is doing her best for the dog at the end of the day – she is happy and the dog is happy and comfortable,’ the nurse added.