A WOMAN was facing jail last night after starving her dogs so severely that one began to eat the body of the other.

RSPCA inspectors have described the rare case of canine cannibalism as the worst that they have come across.

When they visited the home of Marie Connelly they found a terribly emaciated border terrier and a dead bull mastiff. The dogs were being kept in a room adjoining the kitchen of the 35-year-old's home in Pallister Avenue, Middlesbrough.

At Teesside Magistrates' Court yesterday, Connelly admitted two charges of cruelty between last October 14 and November 13.

RSPCA inspector Garry Palmer visited the house on November 13 last year.

"He smelt a disgusting odour which got stronger and stronger," said John Ellwood, prosecuting.

"He looked through the window and saw the most distressing sight. There was a dead bull mastiff lying in filth while the border terrier was eating it."

Connelly returned home while Mr Palmer was there and was cautioned. She told him she last saw the dogs the day before and fed them because they were barking.

But a post-mortem examination on the tan-coloured bull mastiff revealed it had died of starvation at least 72 hours earlier.

The emaciated black and tan border terrier recovered after it was taken into RSPCA care.

District Judge James Prowse told Connelly she could face jail for cruelty. He adjourned the case until June 16 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports.

After the hearing, Insp Palmer said: "This case has turned our stomachs.

"If this is what we call animal welfare then no wonder the North-East is at the top of the table when it comes to animal cruelty.

"This is the worst I have ever seen.

"People have got a right and responsibility to look after their pets and this woman has failed."