THE RSPCA have spoken out following the conviction of a Broughton couple for neglecting dogs and cats at their home.

Last week we reported on how Carl Hollis, 56 and Melanie Hollis, 51, both of Warren Drive, had previously received advice twice from the RSPCA that two labradors owned by Carl Hollis had a skin condition which required treatment at the vets.

Melanie Hollis, meanwhile, was responsible for looking after a number of cats which were at the property, many of which had fleas and/or were underweight.

But neither of them took the animals to the vet in what Chester Magistrates Court heard was "misplaced loyalty".

Carl Hollis pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the two dogs while Melanie Hollis pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to five cats.

Both received a 12-month community order and were banned from keeping animals for 10 years when they appeared in the dock on Thursday, November 29.

The RSPCA have now released pictures showing the condition the animals were in at the time they were rescued.

RSPCA inspectors found the poorly animals had been left for family to look after while the owners went on holiday to Spain, leaving them to look after the sick animals.

The two dogs were were partially hairless due to their skin conditions and the owners had received advice from an inspector about this previously.

One of the cats – which was about 20 years old – had to be put to sleep, but all the other animals were doing well, the court heard, and some had been rehomed.

RSPCA chief inspector Leanne Hardy said: “This is a very sad case where these owners did not properly care for their pets and failed to seek vet attention for a range of untreated health problems.

“We urge pet owners not to bury their heads in the sand and seek veterinary advice if they think their animals are unwell.”

Carl Hollis must complete 200 hours unpaid work while Melanie Hollis must do 150 hours unpaid work.

Each must pay £445 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.