A COUPLE whose two dogs were so badly neglected they had to be put down have been banned from keeping animals for life.

David and Victoria Sams’ dogs Kizzy, a Rottweiler, and Ebby, a collie cross, were discovered by RSPCA inspector Nick Jones at the couple’s home in Dorlonco Villas, Meadowfield, near Durham, on December 9.

Kizzy had a piece of bone wedged in her mouth which prevented her from eating and caused a tetanus infection. Ebby was so emaciated and riddled with arthritis she could barely stand.

Both were being held in an outdoor pen and kennel area, with no bedding and surrounded by faeces.

A veterinary examination rated both dogs’ health at level one – the worst on a nine point scale.

Kizzy was immediately put down and Ebby was put down a few days later with the Sams’ consent.

Having pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing, at Darlington Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday, May 14), the couple were both given six-month community orders and ordered to pay £600 in vets’ fees, £400 in court costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

They were banned from keeping any animals for life and will not be allowed to appeal this ruling for five years.

Afterwards, Mr Jones said it was the most distressing incident he had dealt with in recent memory.

Mr Sams, 38, and his wife, 35, had other animals which were being well cared for, he said, and they were obviously upset at the condition of the dogs.

Mr Sams told a previous court hearing that both dogs had been eating well, he had tried to put bedding into the kennel and he always cleaned out the area but he had been in London for several days before the inspector’s visit and, hence, unable to do so.

Commenting on the sentences passed, Mr Jones said: “This sends a clear message that if you have concerns about your animal, you should take it to the vet and let them decide what’s wrong.”

To contact the RSPCA’s cruelty line, call 0300-1234-999.