A COUPLE were banned for life from keeping animals by a court yesterday.

A vet who examined the carcass of a dog at a house in Thornaby, Teesside, said it was the most emaciated animal she had seen in 25 years.

Two dogs were found abandoned in the yard of the house in Teesdale Terrace, a month after the couple moved out, said Simon Catterall, prosecuting for the RSPCA.

One dog, Sheba, was dead and the other, named Suzy, survived and was rehomed, Teesside magistrates heard.

Before the court were Christine Dawson, 37, and David Mitchinson, 29, of Roworth Road, Thorntree, Middlesbrough.

Ms Dawson admitted two offences of causing suffering to an animal last September and October, and Mr Mitchinson admitted one charge.

They were given a life ban on keeping animals, and remanded on bail for psychiatric reports, before sentence