One of the scrawny neglected lurcher-type puppies

A Gravesend couple who neglected four puppies until they were so thin and weak they could not stand up have been banned from owning dogs for five years.

Graham Gibbons, 34, and 29-year-old Fallon Poole, let the lurcher-type animals go hungry and live outside until they were falling over and reluctant to walk.

The pair, of Oak Road, admitted charges of causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide a suitable diet and veterinary care for the puppies - who were believed to be about six to eight-weeks-old.

A vet who examined the puppies said they were all underweight, dull and depressed. They added one had a temperature, a swollen eye and was struggling to walk.

The puppies were described as underweight, dull and depressed

RSPCA inspector Vikki Dawe said: "The puppies were in a horrendous state, left outside with no veterinary care.

"They were not being given a suitable diet or shelter at a time when their systems were so vulnerable."

Gibbons and Poole were both given five-year bans on keeping dogs and each fined £500.

Gibbons was ordered to do 150 hours' community service and Poole was tagged with a three-month curfew.

Dartford Magistrates' Court also ordered the seizure of the mother dog.

The RSPCA said the puppies have all been found new homes.