A COUPLE have been banned from keeping dogs for ten years after RSPCA officers found an emaciated Border collie at their home.

Blackburn magistrates heard that a vet who examined Jack, a two-year-old dog, said he had been suffering for at least six weeks before he was taken into the care of the animal charity.

The dog's ribs and spinal cord were clearly visible and he weighed just 8.4 kg compared to the breed standard of between 14 and 22 kg, the court was told.

But Basharat Ditta, defending, said it was significant that the couple and their four children had many other pets which had been examined by the RSPCA and found to be fit and healthy.

Michael Cartmell, 48, of Henthorne Road, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog permitted unnecessary suffering and Roberta Cartmell, 32, of the same address, pleaded guilty to omitting to act therefore causing unnecessary suffering.

As well as the ten- year ban they were both made subject to a conditional discharge for 12 months and each ordered to pay £400 towards the prosecution costs.

Tulser Goodwin, prosecuting, said the dog was grossly under weight and the vet who examined him said he had been incorrectly and insufficiently fed for at least six weeks.

Within four days of being taken to the animal shelter at Altham, the dog's body weight had increased by 2kg.

Mr Ditta said there had been no intention to cause the dog suffering or distress but the couple accepted that it had experienced some difficulty.

He said advice had been sought from the vet and certain worm tablets had been administered. They had also changed the dog's diet as advised.

"With four children money is tight and they are struggling," said Mr Ditta. "The car had been re-possessed and an eviction notice had been issued and it is against that background this unfortunate situation developed.

"These proceedings have caused my clients and their children considerable distress and they have shown genuine remorse."

Mr Ditta said the family had two cats, a budgie, a goldfish, two rabbits and a hamster and there were no problems with any of these family pets.