A COUPLE who are banned from owning animals for life yesterday admitted leaving their dog in appalling conditions for six weeks.

Alan and Marie Humphreys were fined £100 each for failing to properly care for their crossbreed dog, Solo, only months after being found with 17 starving cats in their house.

Last December, RSPCA officers rescued the dog from the couple's house, in Dunelm Walk, Darlington. On the same day, the Humphreys were given a life ban on owning animals.

Inspectors have vowed to keep regular checks that the couple - who were said to have no concept of how to look after animals - did not keep other animals in their house.

Darlington Magistrates' Court heard yesterday how the dog was found with fur missing from all over its body and was smeared in its own faeces.

Kevin Campbell, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said the dog was in obvious distress when it was found.

"The inspector found the conditions were filthy, and smelled of excrement so badly it took his breath away," he said.

After an examination by a vet, the animal was found to be suffering from skin diseases including alopecia, and the length of its claws indicated it was not being given any exercise.

The dog was taken to the RSPCA rescue centre in Great Ayton, near Middlesbrough, where it had since made a slow but full recovery, and has been rehoused.

Peter Bradford, in mitigation, said the couple had not breached the order, as they were caught with the dog the same day the ban was given.

"It was not the case they continued to keep animals in contravention to that order," he said. "It is also important to note that the allegation is one of causing unnecessary suffering through something they failed to do, rather than a deliberate and wilful act of cruelty on their part."

In addition to the fine, the couple were also ordered to make a contribution towards the £400 vets' bills.

The lifelong ban on owning animals is still in place.

RSPCA Inspector Gary Palmer said: "These people have no concept of how to properly look after animals. It serves as proof that we have to keep checking on people - and we will be sure to do so with this couple."