A BROTHER and sister from Llandysul have both been banned from keeping animals for three years and handed community service orders for a string of animal cruelty offences.

Alexander Kyle Grice, aged 51, and Victoria Louisa Kyle Grice, aged 49, of Glanarthan, Llandysul, were both convicted on 12 counts of animal cruelty following a two-day trial before magistrates at Aberystwyth Justice Centre at the end of September. Two further charges were dismissed.

The case was brought by the RSPCA and both defendants had denied all the charges.

The pair were back in court this week for sentence after being remanded on bail for reports to be prepared. As well as the banning and community orders, both defendants were also ordered to pay £500 costs each and an £85 victim surcharge each.

Among the offences of which they were jointly convicted were failing to protect a basset hound named Bertie from pain, suffering or disease, who was underweight, in poor condition and not living in a suitable environment.

The pair were also found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a bichon frise dog named Bella, who was underweight, suffering from severe dental disease, skin disease, mammary tumours and an ear infection.

The pair were also found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering by failing to treat flea infestations, skin, eye and ear infections for various dogs and to causing unnecessary suffering to a rabbit and a guinea pig.