A ‘DOG lover’ has been banned from owning the animals for five years after pleading guilty to four counts of failing to ensure the welfare of two in his care.

John Damon, 41, of Thorney Park, stood accused of neglect of a Great Dane named Oden and a terrier named Mogwai over a four- month period at the beginning of 2014.

Swindon magistrates court heard yesterday how Damon, jointly with Amanda King, 43, who failed to attend court, had allowed the dogs’ skin diseases to infest, failed to provide them with adequate food and water, and left one with diarrhoea for four months.

Officers attended the home of Damon after being tipped off by a member of the public, and both dogs will now be seized and put into the protection of the RSPCA, who spent almost £3,000 on vets treatment and officers bills during the investigation.

Damon will pay them back just £440 of that sum.

Miranda Albinson, of the RSPCA, speaking after the hearing, said Damon had cared for the dogs but was not able to look after them, and should have asked for help.

“This was in relation to a Great Dane and a terrier kept in the same body conditions and skin conditions,” she said.

“It was reported to us by a member of the public who had some concerns and we investigated. A colleague knocked on the door and were freely shown the dogs. The Great Dane was extremely underweight, and we are suggesting he did not provide them with an adequate diet or water supply.

“One of the dogs had had diarrhoea for four months, ever since he had it, and it should have been taken to the vets a very long time ago.

“We would advise people if they are having trouble with their animal to get in contact whatever the difficulties. We understand he had some financial difficulties, but there are always people who can help, whatever the circumstances.

“There are people like the PDSA who can provide treatment for people who are on a low income.

“We do not debate that he loves his dogs, he just should have asked for help when he knew he needed it.”

Damon stood before the court without representation, and said he had never meant to harm the animals.

“This makes it sound like I treated it viciously,” he told the court. “I got into some difficulties and I could not ask for help. The dogs never suffered. They were never ever scared of me .

“I accept that I am guilty but none of this was ever intentional. I would never mean to hurt an animal in my life.”

Damon was banned from keeping any dog for a period of five years. Although this order can often be reduced Damon is prevented making an early appeal. He was also fined £500, £440 of which will go to the RSPCA to cover costs, and ordered to serve a 120 hour community order.