A CINDERFORD couple have been banned from keeping animals for two years after being convicted of a cruelty charge against a 12-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Layla Allsopp, 19, and Corey Jones, 21, of Albert Road, Cinderford, admitted failing to meet the needs of Max when they appeared before magistrates in Cheltenham on Monday.
The pair were sentenced to a two year disqualification from keeping animals and a suspended prison sentence
When Max was first discovered by the RSPCA he was significantly underweight at 15.7Kg.
Following a visit to a vet, Allsopp and Jones were asked to ensure that he was seen and weighed regularly, and if he failed to put weight on then the weight loss should be explored.
The pair failed to return to the vet after ignoring several reminders to attend.
Allsopp and Jones were both given eight week custodial sentences, suspended for one year, and ordered to each pay £50 court costs, alongside the two year disqualification.
RSPCA inspector Suzi Smith said: “Max is now 20Kg and back to full health despite his age. This was simply by providing food."
Max was signed over to the RSPCA at the court hearing and will soon be looking for a retirement home.