Pair had host of pets in squalid conditions

Lawrence and Shirley Anne Griffin's pets were found by RSPCA officers after the pair were evicted from the house in Dudley. Among the animals discovered, officers from the charity found a 15-year-old dog called Rocky lying on the floor, soaked in its own mess, at the house in Chestnut Drive. The dog, which could not stand up, had to be put down.

Mr Griffin, aged 57, and Miss Griffin, 52, both of Stourbridge Road, Brierley Hill, appeared at Dudley Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Both pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog and to not providing a suitable environment for the animal which was hygienic.

Mrs Gaynor Sutton, prosecuting, told the hearing how the RSPCA were called to the couple's property a day after they were evicted by a housing association on January 11.

She said: "In the front living room behind the door was an adult dog lying on it's side. At first sight the dog was unrecognisable.

"The dog was unable to stand and the only movement it could make was to move its head.

"The dog was extremely thin and needed urgent veterinary attention."

She added: "The house was squalid and filthy, the carpet was covered in general filth.

"A police officer described the smell as one of the worst he had ever smelt."

Vets found the dog was starving and dehydrated, had a tumour on its belly and was suffering from arthritis.

In interview, Mr Griffin, who is contracted to work as a security guard for West Midlands Police, said the dog had been left in the rush to leave the house, and they were going to return for him.

Mrs Sutton said: "She accepted the dog must have been feeling miserable.

"Then, when asked why the dog was not looked after, she said 'we didn't have the time'."

The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports. The pair will be sentenced on October 26.

The pair's other animals have been taken off them by the RSPCA.