A COUPLE have been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after claims their dog was locked in a cage and left to starve.

Emma Comben, 33, and Martyn Buckle, 41, both of Tillycombe Road, Portland, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a Staffordshire Bull Terrier known as Tia.

The offence took place between August 3 and October 28 last year and the pair appeared before Weymouth Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

After reports from a member of the public, the RSPCA discovered Tia at the property in an emaciated state locked in a dog crate. She was so thin her bones were showing through her skin.

The court heard how the pair claimed they struggled to manage with the dog after having a family and said that after being left in the cage Tia refused to eat and did not seek professional help from a vet or an animal welfare organisation for her weight loss.

Inspector Ken Snook said: “The neglect suffered by Tia could have been easily avoided. Sadly she was cruelly left to suffer in a faeces encrusted crate without the care she needed and deserved.

“When we found her she weighed just 10 kilos and was so underweight all her bones were showing.  Thankfully she has been successfully rehabilitated by the RSPCA and now weighs 16 kilos and was found a new loving home earlier this month.

“Pet owners have a responsibility to address any weight loss or health conditions their animals may have in a timely manner.

“We encourage people who may be worried about the health of their pet to ask for help and advice to avoid unnecessary distress and suffering being caused.”

Buckle and Comben also admitted failing to meet Tia needs by not providing a suitable environment for her, contrary to Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, following the investigation by the animal welfare charity.

They were also ordered to carry out 120 hours unpaid work within the next 12 months and ordered to pay £150 costs each.