A MAN and woman from Portland have been disqualified from keeping animals after they left an injured kitten to suffer.

James Connell Loveman and Amber Richards, both aged 19, have been sentenced for animal welfare offences involving a black kitten called Myla.

They admitted causing unnecessary suffering by failing to seek veterinary treatment for Myla's leg injury, contrary to Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Loveman was disqualified by Weymouth magistrates from keeping animals for life and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and he must pay £250 costs and a £85 victim surcharge.

Richards was sentenced at an earlier hearing in March, to a two year disqualification from keeping animals. She was also ordered to pay £250 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

The RSPCA said the kitten had been injured at an address in Fortuneswell and had been "sadly left without veterinary treatment" between 13 August 2016 and 26 August 2016.

RSPCA inspector Ken Snook said: “Pet owners need to realise that they have a responsibility to care for their animals. That includes ensuring any health issues and injuries are dealt with promptly by a vet to avoid distress to animals in their care.

“It is unacceptable cruelty to simply turn a blind eye to an animal who is in pain and suffering and we encourage people to seek the help their animals need as soon as they need it.”

The RSPCA said Myla has since been rehomed after being signed over by Loveman and Richards into the care of the animal welfare charity.