A COUPLE have been banned from keeping dogs for five years, after being found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a puppy.

Stuart James Hallimond and Emma Sutherland failed to give their female Jack Russell and lurcher cross - known as Dolly - adequate food, water and worm and flea treatment for at least two weeks, a court heard.

Hallimond, 26, and Sutherland, 21, of Watt Street, Ferryhill, denied the charge when they appeared at South Durham Magistrates' Court, in Bishop Auckland, yesterday.

They claimed they tried to care for their pet and administer worming treatment at home, but could not afford veterinary bills when she became frail.

RSCPA inspector Sue Craig told magistrates the animal welfare charity became aware of the dog's condition last November, when the couple agreed to hand the dog to an acquaintance to seek medical help.

The 12-week-old was so undernourished that she was almost skeletal and weighed only 1.55kg, compared to the expected weight of 2.5kg to 3kg.

Dolly also had a bad case of worms, had fleas and was described as depressed.

Kevin Campbell, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said: "I don't doubt that these people love animals.

"But that doesn't mean they have the ability to look after them, so a disqualification may be appropriate."

Hallimond urged magistrates not to ban them from keeping animals, as they own another dog, two terrapins and fish, which he said are all healthy.

He said: "We just want to keep the one dog we have got and have put right the problems we had."

But magistrates did disqualify them from keeping dogs for five years and gave them 14 days to find a new home for their dog with help from the RSPCA.

Hallimond was ordered to pay £250 legal costs and Sutherland must pay £250 towards to cost of boarding fees paid by the charity.

The puppy has made a full recovery and been rehomed.