A COUPLE yesterday admitted to magistrates that they had not cared for their two pet dogs properly.

David Frederick Isles and Leanne Thompson pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Millie, a blue merle collie-cross, and Holly, a black and tan collie.

Graham Hunsley, representing the couple, who agreed that they had joint responsibility for the dogs when they lived together in Darlington, said that they had been going through a rough time and were barely able to look after themselves at the time let alone their animals.

He said both had separately contacted the National Canine Defence League and the RSPCA to take the animals but were told they would have to make a small donation.

He said: "They did not feel they were able to make that donation.''

Kevin Campbell, for the RSPCA, told Bishop Auckland magistrates that Mille and Holly were both a fraction of their normal weight when found. After just a couple of weeks of being fed properly they had fully recovered. Both dogs are now in foster homes.

The case against Isles, of The Spenny, Green Lane, Spennymoor and Thompson, of Pensbury Street, Darlington, was adjourned for reports.

They will both appear again before Bishop Auckland Magistrates Court on November 4, for sentencing.