A FORMER special constable and his wife were yesterday banned from keeping animals for ten years after being prosecuted for cruelty to their two family dogs and a cat.

Brian Carr, 36, and his wife, June, 32, were also given a three-month jail sentence suspended for two years after Sunderland magistrates were told the pets had not been properly fed or watered for at least a month.

Clive McKeag, prosecuting, said RSPCA inspector Ian Smith called at their home in Whitburn, near Sunderland, following a tip-off from a member of the public.

He said: "On entering the house he noticed a strong smell of urine and faeces in the living room. The floorboards at the bottom of the stairs in the bedroom were wet, where it appears animals had defecated."

Two mongrel bitches, Polly and Cally, and a cat were found to be badly emaciated and were visibly infested with fleas.

When cautioned and asked if he understood, Carr replied: "Yes. I am an ex-police officer."

The animals were taken to a vet who found both dogs had hair loss along their backs and suffered from pressure sores, caused by a lack of bedding.

The conclusion was the animals had been "caused unnecessary suffering through a prolonged period - at least a month - without adequate food or water".

When questioned under caution, Carr said he had hit hard times and had been off work sick because of a heart condition.

Michael Robinson, mitigating, said Carr had suffered stress at work, and had emotional and drink problems, which led to him losing his job.

The Carrs, now of Wansbeck, Rickleton, Washington, who admitted three charges of causing unecessary suffering to animals, were also ordered to pay £400 costs each.