A dog owner has been warned that he faces a jail term after allowing his Staffordshire bull terrier puppy to starve to death.

Damian Sproston, from Oldbury, also looked after a second dog which was found to be severely emaciated after going weeks without being fed properly, a court heard. The 24-year-old admitted four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to his two pet dogs.

Sproston, of Harry Price House, Hartlebury Roa, also admitted failing to adequately feed Ice and Luga and failing to provide them with proper veterinary care.

West Bromwich Magistrates were told that the RSPCA was alerted after Sproston took his dead puppy Ice to a vet to have it cremated.

The vet was shocked at the weight and condition of the dog and contacted the RSPCA after learning that the defendant also looked after another older dog.

Police had to accompany RSPCA officers to gain entry to Sproston’s flat on April 29 after several failed attempts to contact him.

Inspectors found Staffie Luga inside in an emaciated state.

Nick Sutton, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said both dogs had gone for at least four weeks without being fed properly.

He said the dead puppywas nearly half of its recommended weight while the ribs and spine were clearly visible on the older dog.

The surviving pet has now been rehomed with Sproston’s cousin who had given him the animal in January.

Mr Sutton said: “The dog had suffered a slow and distressing death due to starvation and disease which would have taken place over a period of weeks,” he said.

“Sproston was presumably living and eating in the flat himself while these animals were starving around him.”

Helen Pinning, defending, said Sproston was severely depressed. He lost his job on March 31 and had been unable to afford food for himself or his animals since.

The case was adjourned for reports until October 15.