Three people have been sentenced after two dogs were found in dirty conditions with a severe skin disease.

The dachshunds – Coco and a puppy – were found in a small room downstairs at the back of a house in Willow Road, Strood, with fur loss and evident fleas.

Samantha Louise Daniels, 35, and Jayson George Daniels , 34, of Willow Road, and Ricky Billy Kerswell, 33, of Beaumanor Gardens, London, appeared at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on Monday, July 10.

A vet who attended the location said in a written statement that Coco’s skin had “large patches of hair loss and small areas of inflammation”.

He added: “The dog had a strong smell typical of animals with severe skin disease.

“The bald patches were particularly obvious around the eyes, on the ears, and on the limbs and tail. Patches of infected and red skin were noted on the belly, neck and rump.

“The ears were bald and leathery due to the severe skin disease.

“The pup smelt much stronger than the mother and was noticeably withdrawn and depressed. She scratched and rubbed her belly at least every minute. Fleas could also be seen crawling over her body.”

The two men and woman all admitted two offences under the Animal Welfare Act – in causing unnecessary suffering to Coco, and also to a female wirehaired dachshund puppy by failing to provide veterinary treatment for the animal’s skin disease.

After the hearing, both dogs were signed over to the RSPCA and, at sentencing, an order to remove further dogs was also made.

The two dachshunds have made a full recovery and are being cared for by some of the RSPCA’S foster carers.

The offenders were sentenced on Wednesday, July 12, and were each disqualified from keeping dogs for 18 months. They were also ordered to pay £333 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

As well as this, they each received a 12-month community order.

Samantha Daniels received a 10-week tagged curfew from 7.30pm-7am, Jayson Daniels must carry out 108 hours’ unpaid work and Kerswell was also ordered to undertake 108 hours’ unpaid work plus 20 rehabilitaion days.

Samantha Louise Daniels and Jayson George Daniels have indicated they intend to appeal.