A MAN was yesterday banned from keeping animals for five years after a dog in his care lost almost half its ideal weight.

The German shepherd dog rescued by RSPCA inspector Gavin Butterfield from a kennel outside the house of James Howe, in West Lane, Woodhouse Close, Bishop Auckland weighed only 12.4kg. It should have weighed more than 20kg.

Howe, known as Jimmy, had been sharing the house with his son, Jason Howe, who had previously been fined and given an identical ban.

He admitted shared responsibility to care for the animal, which he said had been left with them by a neighbour.

Solicitor Kevin Campbell, for the RSPCA, told Bishop Auckland magistrates: "When Mr Howe senior returned to the house he did give the dog dried food, which it ate ravenously but struggled to do so quickly because no water was provided.

"The RSPCA seized the dog in December and gave it a proper diet. Within one week it weighed 16.4kg, three weeks later 19kg."

Howe, now of Murray Avenue, Woodhouse Close, was also ordered to pay a £50 fine and £50 towards legal costs.

Chairman of the magistrates Harry Fletcher said: "I compliment the RSPCA on the rescue and subsequent care of the dog, which has made a remarkable recovery."

Afterwards Mr Butterfield said: "Let's hope this sends a message out that animal neglect will not be accepted."