A MAN and a woman from Worcestershire have been found guilty of neglecting their two dogs, and are now disqualified from keeping dogs for five years.

Steven Watkins, aged 30, and Emily Till, 32, of New Road, Far Forest, appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court, accused of two offences under section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The RSPCA received a complaint in January about two dogs in poor condition, and inspector Suzanne Smith was sent out to the hose.

She found Bruno, a Staffordshire bull terrier, and Demon, a husky-type dog, without food and in an emaciated state.

She said: “We received complaints about the condition of the two dogs, and on that first visit I was shocked to see the state of them. Both Bruno and Demon were so thin I could see all their bones protruding, even despite Demon's thick coat. It later transpired that Demon was suffering with non-regenerative anaemia caused by his extremely thin body condition.

“Bruno weighed little over 11kg at seizure and Demon just weighed 14kg, practically half of what they should ideally weigh.”

After a vet certified that both dogs were suffering, police removed Bruno and Demon and placed them the RSPCA's care.

Following the three-day trial, both Watkins and Till were disqualified from keeping dogs for five years and deprived or ownership of the dogs.

Till was given an 8pm-7am curfew for 18 weeks and ordered to pay £500 costs, while Watkins received 150 hours community service, a 12-month community order and ordered to pay £750 costs.

The pair were also given 28 days to rehome another dog which they had taken on before the trial.

Inspector Smith said: “Both Till and Watkins refused to admit any wrongdoing, but since being cared for by the RSPCA, both dogs are doing so well and are up to their optimum, healthy weights.

“I am very pleased to say that Demon, the husky, has been rehomed already as he was signed over to us shortly after we were called. But following yesterday’s sentencing, I’m delighted that now Bruno can also be found his forever home too.”