A Llandissilio builder has been banned from keeping dogs for five years after his two Basset Hounds were found to be in an ‘emaciated’ state.

Robert Lyn Jenkins, 32, of Maes y Bryn, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and failing to take steps to make sure their needs were met, when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Monday.

The court heard that RSPCA inspectors, acting on an anonymous tip-off, called at Jenkins’ home and found Basset Hounds Donut and Fudge in a thin condition, with their ribs, hips and spines clearly visible and multiple piles of faeces in the overgrown garden.

Jon Tarrant, prosecuting, said: “A vet who attended described them as severely emaciated. Both were in a very poor state.”

The dogs were seized and were ‘ravenous’ when taken into veterinary care, but gained around five kilos each within a short amount of time.

Jenkins, who represented himself during the hearing, wept in the dock as the court heard he had agreed to sign the pair over to the RSPCA.

He told the bench that his wife suffered from depression and the family had been financial difficulty with bailiffs at their door after he was unable to work due to an injury.

He said: “To be honest, we have not really coped very well with the change in circumstances.

“I am so disappointed in myself. I love the dogs, I never wanted to harm them. I just struggled to cope with our situation.”

Magistrates noted Jenkins’ remorse and stated it was a ‘very sad case’.

He was fined £305 and ordered to pay £300 costs plus a £31 victim surcharge and banned from keeping dogs for five years.

Following the case, Keith Hogben, RSPCA inspector, said:"These poor Bassett Hounds were very emaciated - and went through a very tough time, with veterinary opinion confirming that they had both suffered unnecessarily.

"Both dogs put on a lot of weight in a short space of time, solely through the provision of good care and food - which shows the serious nature of neglect involved in this case.

"Donut and Fudge were subject to unnecessary weight loss and poor body condition, and the diet they were provided with was simply not appropriate to their needs.

“This case is another reminder as to the important legal responsibilities people have towards their pets, and the consequences if these are not adhered to. RSPCA Cymru will continue to protect dogs like Donut and Fudge from this sort of neglect."