A COUPLE who left their pet dogs to starve have been banned from owning animals.

Samantha Rees-Bowditch, 44, and Jason Bowditch, 43, of Whitworth Road, Gosport, pleaded guilty to failing to properly care for their dogs Sazzle and Leggs during a hearing at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court.

The offences came to light after a concerned member of the public saw one of the dogs and called the RSPCA.

The charity investigated and RSPCA inspector Charlotte Coggins said: "This was a frustrating and saddening case where these two dogs were left without the care they so desperately needed.

"Sazzle was in such a shocking condition when we first saw him with every bone showing. It was hard to believe he is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier crossed with a Labrador.

"Veterinary examination found no medical reason for the weight loss and they increased in weight simply from being provided with an adequate diet.

"It would have been obvious to anyone looking at both these dogs that they were desperately thin and in urgent need.

"Those two own animals have a responsibility to look after them and ensure their needs are met - it's never acceptable to just sit back and watch animals starve.

"Thankfully, both Sazzle and Leggs have recovered and are happy and healthy after gaining weight and condition."

The couple were banned from keeping animals for three years and both were ordered to pay £400.