Dogsey

A couple went away on holiday and left their four dogs so desperate for food that one had half its face eaten by another, a court has heard.

Martin and Rebecca Clifton forced the four pets to live in their own faeces in New Houghton, Derbyshire, as they enjoyed a seaside break.

But following an anonymous call, RSPCA inspectors were called to the house where the walls were caked in blood and mud and a dead Staffordshire Bull Terrier was found to have had its face mauled.

An emaciated Rottweiler was left locked in a small metal cage and all the animals were severely malnourished, with cuts and marks to their faces, Mansfield Magistrates' Court was told.

David Payne, prosecuting, said the dead dog, called Braken, was pregnant and had been killed fighting with the other two Staffies - Dyke and Dude - that had been left free in the house.

Braken had then been eaten by the Rottweiler, called Rox, out of desperation.

The RSPCA brought a private prosecution against the couple, who admitted cruelty.

Mr Payne said that the condition of the dogs had been caused by weeks of neglect, rather than just the few days the owners had been on holiday.