A BIRKENHEAD couple have been from keeping animals for 10 years after they left their pets home alone for a week without fresh food or water while they went on holiday.

Gary William Ashby, aged 27, and his partner Alexandra Weedall-Smith, aged 28, both pleaded guilty to offences under the Animal Welfare Act in relation to the abandonment of two dogs and a rabbit when they appeared at Wirral magistrates’ court on Thursday.

The RSPCA was called to Weedall-Smith’s home on Bentinck Street on January 6 after concerns from members of the public that animals had been abandoned.

No one was home but two dogs were spotted inside the property. A calling card was left by the animal welfare officer.

He later returned and placed seals on the door and lock, which were still intact two days later.

At this point, the court heard that the police were called to assist with gaining entry to the house.

Chris Murphy, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, told magistrates officers were faced with a strong smell of ammonia on entering the property, with faeces and urine all over the floor.

There was an opened bag of dog food in the hallway, but no fresh food or water was present for either the two dogs or the rabbit that was also found inside.

The court heard how Weedall-Smith and Ashby had returned to the property while the RSPCA was still in attendance and claimed they had been on holiday.

Their solicitor, Laura Flynn, told the court the couple - who have three children - were "horrified" at the state of their home.

Ashby, of Crutchley Avenue, said he looked after the animals on a part time basis, as well as acting as Weedall-Smith's carer.

Both told the RSPCA they had gone away for a few days after Ashby had been released from prison.

Mr Murphy said: “During interview, Mr Ashby indicated he had gone away on Boxing Day or New Year’s Eve but wouldn’t give details about where he had gone or who they had asked to look after the animals.”

The court heard that the animals had been left alone for “at least a week”.

Mr Murphy added: “This is a case where a lack of thought has occurred and these animals have been left and they shouldn’t have been – the RSPCA says they are not responsible owners.”

The two dogs – Staffordshire bull terrier type cross “Coco” and a Border Collie “Spike” – and the rabbit Dottie were seized by the RSPCA and taken to Upton Veterinary Surgery for examination.

All three animals were underweight, with Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross “Coco” scoring three on the body score index - one being emaciated and nine being overweight.

Border Collie “Spike” was suffering with conjunctivitis, while rabbit Dottie’s claws had overgrown so much that they were starting to curl.

The court heard how the RSPCA had previously attended Weedall-Smith’s home in 2013 following complaints dogs had been left alone. No further action was taken.

Ms Flynn, defending, said: “It just seems to me that everything went horribly wrong during these few days away they had.

“They went away and they shouldn’t have without making absolutely certain that the people they did ask to sort the animals out were completely responsible.

“They were both horrified when they saw the state of the house. The animals had unfortunately not been able to get out to use the toilet and as a result, everything was all over the house.

“This all arose as a result of an opportunity that presented itself very suddenly to be able to go away for a few days and not making necessary arrangements – it’s home alone for animals and it’s left the house in a shocking state by the time they got back.”

Ms Flynn told the court both Ashby and Weedall-Smith are on benefits and, had they had any money, they would have put the animals into kennels.

Both defendants were banned from owning or keeping animals for 10 years, pay £500 RSPCA costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Ashby was also ordered to complete a 12-month community order, while Weedall-Smith was given an 18-month community order.

A 7pm until 7am curfew was also imposed on them both.

The animals will now be rehomed, along with four cats also owned by Ashby.