A SKINNY pet - weighing just 16lbs - has been taken away from a couple in High Wycombe after they pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering.

David and Sylvia Carter, from Havenfield Road, Booker were told by magistrates in Aylesbury that they could no longer look after their 17-year-old dog, Gunner.

The court heard RSPCA inspector Kirsty Hampton had visited their home in June. Gunner was shaking, his ribs and haunches were sticking out and patches of hair had fallen out.

Vets say the average whippet should weigh in at 30lbs.

Julian Fattorini, for the defence, told the court Gunner was given one main meal a day of chicken, vegetables, gravy, bread rolls and biscuits. "Mr Carter had honestly believed that a low fat diet was healthiest for a slim whippet-like dog like Gunner," he said.

He added that the Carters thought Gunner had become thinner due to his age, and believed they were not doing anything wrong.

The RSPCA led the prosecution against the couple after taking the mutt, a cross breed, into their care in June 2006.

Both pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog by not feeding it an adequate diet.

Robin Gates, prosecuting, told the court Mr Carter was extremely angry when the RSPCA came to his house.

He added: "He was shouting and screaming and being abusive. The inspector felt that this was necessary to call the police. As a result the dog was seized and taken to the vets."

Gunner was taken to the Crossroads Veterinary Centre at West Wycombe Road.

Addressing the magistrates, Mr Carter, 52, said: "We have always had dogs together. If I thought at any moment that my dogs were suffering I would take them to the vet."

JP Mrs Gellatly said: "We accept your previous good character and health of other dogs, which is not apparently compromised. We are however making a confiscation order against you both for Gunner. We think that Gunner is old and now settled and thriving in foster care and should therefore not be returned to you."

The couple were fined £150 each and ordered to pay £3,330 in costs. They were allowed to keep their other dogs Mickey and Nipper.