CONVICTED (2018) | Julie McDermott, born 19/01/1969, and Craig McDermott, born 19/09/1968, both  of Devon Close, Burton-on-Trent DE15 9NB – admitted  animal cruelty after two dogs are found emaciated and starving

Black Labrador Ebony and brindle-coloured Staffy Monty were found wandering around Burton in February 2018.

A concerned member of the public took the dogs to Swadlincote Veterinary Centre where Ebony was found to weigh almost 7kg less than would be expected at 18.4kg. Monty weighed just 10.8kg, when he should have been around 15kg.

Monty was very weak when rescued and had an untreated skin infection, while Ebony had a bleeding tail that had not been treated.

The dogs’ owners – part-time DJ and HGV driver Craig McDermott and wife Julie, a dinner lady at River View Primary School – pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering between February 7 and February 28, 2018.

Inspector Kate Levesley from the RSPCA , who was called to investigate the case, said: “Both dogs were extremely thin with their ribs, hips and spine bones protruding.

“Monty also had a skin condition which had been left untreated and was causing him a lot of discomfort.

“The dogs were very eager to eat as soon as they were offered food by us and I just can’t understand why someone would own a dog and not feed it properly, even people really struggling can always call for help and support instead of leaving their dogs to suffer.

“They are both adorable and friendly dogs and I am pleased to say they have now been re-homed with loving families.”

Sentencing: Craig McDermott was fined £1,250 while his wife was fined £300. They were also ordered to pay £150 in court costs. They were banned from having any other animals for just five years (expires September 2023).

Derbyshire Telegraph