An Antrim couple, who left a dog to starve in a room filled with faeces, have been given suspended prison sentences for breaching animal welfare.

Gallagher pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the dog's welfare, while McLaverty pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog.

The criminal proceedings followed an investigation by the council's animal welfare team after the police reported that a dog had been seen living at the property in dirty conditions and severely underweight.

Council officers found a one-year-old terrier-cross dog which was extremely thin, with its ribs and spine visible.

Although the property had been cleaned before the animal welfare officers arrived, police body-worn camera footage showed the dog living in a room where the floor and bedding were strewn with faeces and it had no access to water.

The dog was removed by council officers and taken to the council vet who certified the animal as suffering.

The vet said: "He was severely malnourished and underweight, weighing just 6.9kg, with a body condition score of 1/5. He also had very overgrown nails.

"On physical examination, he had normal vital signs and was very hungry when offered food.

"I certified this animal as suffering due to his body condition score, inadequate environment and unsanitary conditions."

The couple were sentenced on Wednesday.

Gallagher received a two-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years. He was also disqualified from owning or keeping animals for five years.

In addition, he was fined £300 and ordered to pay £250 in legal costs, £45 in court costs and £150 in veterinary costs.

McLaverty received a five-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years, and was fined £500. She was ordered to pay £250 in legal costs, £45 in court costs and £150 in veterinary costs.

She was also disqualified from owning or keeping animals for five years.

A spokesperson for Antrim and Newtownabbey Council said it "gives a high priority to the welfare of domestic pets and horses and operates a rigorous enforcement policy".

It added that it hoped the case served as a "warning to anyone who does not take appropriate care of animals".