Two dog-owners convicted of animal cruelty this week said they wanted their pet back in time for Christmas.

Paul Rowell, 39, and Leanne Cobb, 27, left Khan, their six-year-old German Shepherd, tied to a concrete post for several days in the back garden of their home in Colin Gardens, Colindale, while they went on holiday.

They were convicted on two charges of animal cruelty at Barnet Magistates Court on Monday after a prosecution was brought by the RSPCA. However, magistrates acquitted the pair of a separate charge of causing the dog physical damage, and did not make an order banning the couple, now living in Irchester, Northamptonshire, from getting Khan back.

"I would like to give the dog back to the kids," mother-of-four Cobb said.

"It would be the best Christmas present for them."

The couple were considering an appeal against the two convictions although that would mean Khan remaining in RSPCA custody over Christmas as evidence.

RSPCA Inspector David Long, who discovered Khan tangled around a thistle bush with no water or food and a dirty, matted coat in July last year, welcomed the verdict.

"It sends out the correct message that if you are going to go away and leave an animal for a long period of time, you have to make adequate and firm arrangements that ensure that animal's welfare," he said.

The couple were given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £600 towards the RSPCA's costs, which was left to foot the remainder of the £10,000 bill for looking after Khan and the ensuing prosecution.

December 5, 2001 11:05

JULIAN HILLS