A MAN and woman have admitted failing to provide proper care for two dogs and eight puppies found in poor condition at Appleby fair.

One six-week old German Shepherd puppy recovered by the RSPCA was in such a dire state that it had to be put down.

It was severely dehydrated, depressed and hypothermic, and failed to respond to treatment.

At Carlisle magistrates’ court today (Wednesday), Joseph John Lowther, 44, and 42-year-old Marina Lowther each admitted four charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Steven Marsh, prosecuting, said a cattle trailer came to the attention of RSPCA inspectors in Appleby on August 13, 2021.

Fifteen dogs were found inside five metal cages, three of which had no trays underneath. Ten animals — a German Shepherd named Bella and her five puppies, and a Border Terrier called Ginger with three pups — belonged to Joseph Lowther.

The German Shepherd was 'struggling to stand' because its cage was so small. She and her puppies, along with the terrier, had poor body condition, lice and 'heavy' or 'massive' worm burn.

One of two vets provided an assessment. “In her opinion they were all suffering, or likely to suffer if their circumstances did not change — or a combination of the two,” said Mr Marsh.

Marina Lowther was at the trailer. “The dogs and puppies were seized and transferred to the custody of the RSPCA. They set about transferring them from the cattle trailer to their own vehicles to go for examination,” said Mr Marsh.

“At that point Mr Lowther arrived at the scene with a young lad. An inspector described that the situation became ‘heated’, with Mr Lowther and the boy trying to forcibly stop the dogs being removed.

“One dog was released, ran off and was not located by the RSPCA.”

All of the animals had for several weeks experienced suffering which could have been prevented with routine treatment.

Joseph Lowther, of Kidacre Street, Leeds, was their primary carer while his estranged wife, of Westway, Farsley, regularly helped out.

All dogs had since been placed in kennels or foster care. The court heard each defendant had a previous animal neglect conviction relating to mistreatment of a pony which had been ridden to 'exhaustion' by another man during the 2019 fair.

Jeff Smith, for the Lowthers, said they no longer had animals nor wished to own any more.

“This arise out of ignorance rather than maliciousness or recklessness,” said Mr Smith of their latest offending.

Their case was adjourned after magistrates heard more background information was required.

They will be sentenced at a future date.