A STRUGGLING Hull couple starved their dogs because they could not afford to feed them. Helena Jory and John Stones said they went without eating themselves and feeding their dogs so they could afford food for their children.
Their dogs, Labrador Poppy and Staffordshire bull terrier Millie, were both emaciated when they were seized by the RSPCA.
Inspector Hannah Bryer said: "Poppy and Millie were lovely dogs who suffered when their owners fell on hard times.
"They had noticed the dogs losing weight but, unfortunately, they did not ask for help from any animal charities and allowed their pets' condition to deteriorate.
"When interviewed, both defendants accepted that the dogs were underweight due to lack of appropriate nutrition, stating that financial pressures meant they had struggled to feed the dogs.
"They said they had gone without food themselves in order to make sure their children were looked after."
Poppy was also suffering from the skin condition sarcoptic mange when she was found shut in a room at The Engineer's Arms pub in Bridlington Avenue, city centre.
Stones arrived at the pub shortly after the RSPCA and confirmed Poppy was his dog. Someone else brought Millie to the pub in a van and she was also seized.
The couple told the RSPCA said Poppy had previously been seen by a vet for her skin condition, but they could not afford to take her back for further treatment.
Stones, 25, and Jory, 33, both admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the dogs by failing to provide them with an adequate diet and suitable living environment and failing to protect them from pain, injury and disease.
Miss Bryer said: "Poppy was in extremely poor body condition. Her ribs, hips and spine were visible. Her coat was greasy, skin flaky and she had areas of fur loss and thickened skin around both her eyes, her hock joints and some fur loss on her chest.
"Millie was also underweight. Her ribs, hips and spine were visible and her coat appeared to be stained yellow."
Both dogs have since been rehomed.
The couple's solicitor Ed Cunnah told Hull Magistrates' Court: "They both feel wretched about what happened to the dogs and wretched about being brought to court."
Stones was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £250 costs, while Jory was given a two-year conditional discharge.
District Judge Frederick Rutherford said: "Should you ever wish to have a dog after this, period you must ensure you are able to care for a dog properly.
"If I see you before me for similar offences in future it is likely that you will go to prison."
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