TWO pet owners have been warned they could face prison in separate cases of severe animal cruelty.

RSPCA inspectors found a rabbit that had starved to death but was so hungry it had eaten its own droppings and part of its cage before it died.

The emaciated body of the pet was discovered at Prior Court, in Billingham, in December after inspectors were alerted because of a stench of decay and faeces.

Yesterday John Marshall, 20, of Craister Road, Stockton, admitted cruelty between November 2 and December 2 last year.

His solicitor, Choi Cheng, told Teesside magistrates, Marshall thought a friend was looking after the animal on his behalf when he moved out of the flat after separating from his girlfriend.

Gordon Day, 65, of High Newham Road, Stockton, admitted cruelty to a Yorkshire Terrier between January 4 and February 4 this year.

RSPCA inspectors found the dog with a tumour the size of a tennis ball on its stomach and a broken paw. Its fur was so matted it could barely open its jaw or eyes. The animal had to be destroyed.

The court was told that Day was in ill health and could not afford the vet's bill. He was not aware the RSPCA or the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals could help.

RSPCA Inspector Garry Palmer said: "These animals have been just left to fester away. It is disgusting in this day and age and completely unacceptable.

"There are plenty of options open to people but when they deliberately starve an animal to death and deprive them of a chance of life they deserve to go to prison."

Both cases were adjourned for pre-sentence reports and will be heard again on Thursday, June 19.

Bench chairman Mohammed Shauq said: "These matters are very serious indeed and we feel that the purpose of the sentence should be the restriction of liberty, however, that will be up to the sentencing bench."

A Middlesbrough woman is also facing jail after she starved her dogs so severely that one began to eat the other when it died.

Marie Connelly, 35, of Pallister Avenue, admitted two charges of cruelty between October 14 and November 13, last year.

She will be sentenced on Monday, June 16.