A Bradford woman was handed a suspended prison sentence and banned for life from keeping animals after her “starving” dog was found buried under a pile of bikes in her garden.

Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court heard the alsatian owned by Kathleen Crowley, 48, was “unable to stand” when an RSPCA officer visited her home in Canterbury Avenue last year.

Nigel Monaghan, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said the dog was taken to the vets where it had to be put down.

He described how floors in the house were “filthy” and the kitchen “covered with dirt and grime”.

Crowley was handed a two-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, for failing to provide the dog with a suitable diet and providing the dog, and three bull terriers, with a suitable environment.

Maria Temkow, mitigating, said she had health difficulties and was unable to look after herself or animals.

Her daughter Vanessa Crowley, 21, and partner David Wright, 46, who also live at the address, pleaded guilty to failing to provide dogs with a suitable environment. Vanessa Crowley was given a 12-month community order with a 15-day activity condition and ordered to complete 60 hours of unpaid work.

Wright was also given a 12-month community order and told to complete 50 hours’ unpaid work. They were also banned from keeping animals for life.

The defendants were ordered to pay £260 towards costs which totalled more than £5,000.