TWO York pet owners who starved their dogs until they were "furry skeletons", have been banned from keeping dogs for two years.

When RSPCA inspector Jackie Paradis found Jet and Ben at their home in Hotham Avenue, Acomb, on August 19 last year, they had been severely underfed by Helen Jacobs, 28, and Colin Jaram, 27, for several weeks.

The couple pleaded guilty at Selby Magistrates Court to failing to provide the dogs with proper care and protection.

Prosecuting for the RSPCA, Philip Brown said the RSPCA had seized the dogs as Inspector Paradis had been able to feel their skeletons.

An examination by vet Tim Shearman revealed that both dogs had extremely empty abdomens and Jet, a black and white female collie weighed only 8.45 kg, while Ben, a black and tan German shepherd weighed 10.8 kg.

Neither animal had any other abnormalities.

Six weeks later, with no veterinary intervention, both dogs had more than doubled in weight

Mr Brown said the animals had last been taken to a vet in February 2003 - six months before the RSPCA intervened.

He said the dogs had not been looked after properly for several weeks and suffered because Jacobs and Jaram had been unwilling or unable to care for them properly.

For Jacobs and Jaram, who both live on Disability Living Allowance, Victoria Latham said they had since had both dogs fitted with microchips, given booster jabs and taken out pet insurance.

She said they had sought advice from a local pet shop.

"They are caring, loving owners of their pets, they still house four well-looked-after pets and unfortunately the care of these two dogs fell below standard."

Presiding magistrate Tony Hargreaves gave them both a two-year conditional discharge, banned them from keeping dogs for two years and imposed costs of £2,774 to cover RSPCA boarding costs.

He said: "The RSPCA is a charity and should not suffer from your actions."

After the case, Inspector Paradis said: "The dogs were extremely thin when they were found, like furry skeletons. It is inexcusable not to notice that your pet is underweight."

Updated: 10:06 Saturday, May 29, 2004