A couple were banned from keeping animals for five years yesterday after an RSPCA inspector found their three dogs were thin and infested with fleas.
David Waldock, 48, and Elaine Walker, 49, from Meadow View, West Auckland, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the animals when they appeared before South Durham magistrates, sitting at Bishop Auckland.
Kevin Campbell, prosecuting, said the dogs had been rehoused and were now in good health.
In mitigation, John Turner said the couple had, in any case, decided not to have any more dogs.
He said: "They were very attached to the animals. Miss Walker was hysterical when they were taken away.
"They have never been in trouble before. This has been a very traumatic experience for them."
The couple were also given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £100 towards the RSPCA's costs.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article