THE owner of two dogs which were virtually starved told a court he had neglected the animals after becoming depressed.

Jess, a Great Dane cross and Bruno, a boxer cross dog were taken from Steven Thompson's home in Kirby House, Darlington, after becoming so emaciated that ribs could be seen.

Thompson pleaded guilty at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court yesterday to neglecting the two 16-month-old pets.

James Luke, defending, said Thompson, 22, loved dogs and would not intentionally do them any harm

He said: "He had a serious bout of depression and was receiving medical advice at that particular time. Everything came together and he was unable to manage. He describes himself as a dog lover. He wouldn't do anything to harm a dog.''

Kevin Campbell, on behalf of the RSPCA, said Inspector Garry Palmer had visited Thompson and offered advice on how to care for the animals.

On a return visit the animals' weight had plummeted further and they were taken by Insp Palmer to a veterinary surgery in Darlington.

In a statement read out in court, vet Michaela Wright stated that both had been deprived of adequate food and water.

Chairman of the bench Colin Beadle banned Thompson from owning animals for three years and ordered him to pay £350 towards the RSPCA costs.