Pedigree dogs were underfed by owners

A father and daughter who underfed two pedigree dogs, leaving them emaciated, have been banned from keeping animals and ordered to do unpaid work.

The German Shepherd and Japanese Akita dogs scavenged for food in a garden.

The Japanese Akita dog was put down after vets discovered a skin and eye disease. At Dudley Magistrates Court yesterday, Jenny Richards, aged 27, of Hartland Avenue, Coseley, and her father David, aged 59, of Wrens Nest Road, Dudley, pleaded guilty to underfeeding the pets.

Miss Richards was told she could not own animals for 10 years and was ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work.

Her father was banned from owning animals for five years and ordered to do 80 hours unpaid work.

Prosecutor Gaynor Sutton said RSPCA officers went to Miss Richards's former address in Wrens Nest Road, Dudley, on November 22 after a tip-off.

An officer said both dogs were looking underfed and they were seen by a vet who found them both to be emaciated.

Mrs Sutton said: "The vet said, from looking at the dogs, that it would have been obvious to any caring owner of their condition."

Steve Hamblett, defending, said Miss Richards' ex-partner walked out in September, but with money short she struggled to find the time and money for dog food. Mr Hamblett said: "They tried to do their best feeding the dogs, but their best was not enough."

The German Shepherd has since been rehomed.Both defendants were also ordered to pay £500 each toward the charity and court costs.