A couple have been banned from keeping animals for five years after they failed to seek treatment for their flea-infested pets.

Brian and Rita Beddow, of Sussex Avenue, Aldridge, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to their Jack Russell terrier.

They also admitted failing to ensure the welfare of their 10-year-old cat.

Walsall Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday that the eight-year-old dog, called Murphy, was left suffering for at least three weeks, resulting in the animal pulling out its own fur.

Black cat Tom was found in a slightly better condition when an RSPCA inspector visited the couple’s home last September following an anonymous phone call.

Mrs Gaynor Sutton, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said the couple claimed they could not afford to treat the animals but showed the inspector some flea drops they had bought.

The pets were taken to see a vet, who said the dog had suffered a skin infection, a loss of fur and fleas were visible. Mrs Sutton added: “Murphy would have suffered for at least three weeks, if not longer. The cat was not suffering, but would have suffered if the environment had not changed.”

They were treated with antibiotics and made a full recovery. The court heard both Brian, aged 66, and Rita, 65, made full admissions about their neglect.

Mr Glyn Whitehouse, mitigating, said: “They were not deliberate acts of harming animals.”

The pair were fined £500, with £400 costs and a £30 victim surcharge. A deprivation order was made to prevent them from getting their pets back and they were banned from keeping animals for five years.