Pair deny cruelty to dogs

Inspectors were tipped off after a couple answered an advertisement, appealing for a home for a dog, placed by Barbara Joyce, of Manor Farm Cottages.

During a five-day trial last week prosecutor David Buck told Lewes magistrates how the couple, Tracy and Gavin Taylor, were so concerned when they saw a labrador, named Lady, that they called the RSPCA.

Mrs Taylor said: 'I noticed immediately how thin she was and saw all her ribs and back leg bones.'

The animal's face was shrunken and her eyes dark. She was so weak she had to be lifted into the back of the car.

The labrador was treated for diarrhoea and ear mites. A vet estimated the withered animal had been suffering for at least two weeks, said Mr Buck.

The animal weighed just18kg. A healthy dog of its size should weigh up to 30kg.

When inspectors visited the Joyce's stud farm in May last year, they found three more emaciated dogs which were seized and taken away for treatment. It was diagnosed the animals had not been adequately fed.

Mrs Joyce, 51, who runs Quimper Stud Farm at Rodmell, and her son Oliver Joyce, 27, were charged with four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals.

Mr Joyce was also charged with having custody of an animal while disqualified for five years. The pair pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The hearing was adjourned until February 13.