Copyright birminghammail
A couple have been banned from keeping animals after starving a dog and three kittens. Kevin Castle, aged 53, and Julie Lugg, 54, both of Buxton Road, Walsall , admitted two animal welfare offences and were handed suspended jail sentences. The RSPCA, which investigated the case, stated that a dog named Chase was found in a 'severely underweight' condition with his ribs and spine visible as well as fur loss and scabs on his skin. READ MORE: Birmingham criminals jailed in October 2025 including Broad Street thug teen The charity also rescued three kittens, aged five weeks, which were also underweight. Two of them also had severe discharge to their eyes and were struggling to open them. The cats were suffering from flu and flea infestation which were treated at the RSCPA's Birmingham animal hospital. They were able to gain more than 50 per cent of their body weight in two weeks. The charity confirmed Chase also put on weight and received treatment for fleas which were causing skin irritation and distress. The RSPCA added that there were no underlying health conditions with the pets and that an appropriate diet could have 'easily been provided' by the owners. Castle and Lugg pleaded guilty to 'causing unnecessary suffering' to Chase between November 14 and December 5 last year by failing to provide adequate nutrition and parasitic control. They admitted a similar charge in relation to the kittens which also included failing to provide treatment for eye infections. At Birmingham Magistrates' Court on October 6 they were sentenced to eight weeks custody suspended for 12 months including 20 days of rehabilitation activities. They were disqualified from keeping animals for ten years and also each ordered to pay £350 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
