Dog dies after being abandoned in 'filthy' garage

The RSPCA said the garage was "littered with rubbish which was filthy and covered with dog faeces"

A couple who abandoned their dogs in a garage – leading to the death of one – have been banned from keeping animals for life.

Sophie Baker and Tommy Johnson left their bull dogs behind after moving out of their home in Thackeray Street, Sinfin, Derby.

Johnson, 31, initially visited the dogs daily, but this reduced significantly over time, said the RSPCA.

The animal rescue charity said it was contacted by a member of the public about a dead dog inside the garage, which was also filled with faeces.

Inspectors visited the property on 27 January and found the body of one of the dogs, called Buster.

The other dog, Layla, was found alive by his side but was "very underweight" and "extremely thirsty", the RSPCA said.

The RSPCA inspector said it was "painful to witness" Layla (pictured) after discovering her next to Buster, who had died

Baker, of Grosvenor Street, Allenton, and Johnson, of Mundy Street, Derby, pleaded guilty to two offences each of causing unnecessary suffering to animals at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on Monday.

RSPCA inspector Louise Marston said: "I could see that the ground was littered with rubbish which was filthy and covered with dog faeces.

"Layla looked incredibly sad and it was clear that she was very attached to Buster.

"In my 12-year career, I have never seen a dog act like this and it was painful to witness, especially given the environmental conditions and the physical conditions of both dogs."

As well as a lifetime ban on keeping animals, Johnson was given a 28-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to 100 hours of unpaid work in the community.

Meanwhile, Baker, 25, was given a 12-month community order. They were both ordered to pay costs of £200 each.

An examination of Buster's body found he may have suffered from a kidney disease, said the RSPCA.

Layla has since made a full recovery and has been rehomed.