A family which kept five dogs and two puppies in filthy garden cages with contaminated food and water has been banned by magistrates from keeping pets.

Husband and wife Jason and Cherylea Coates and their nephew Albert Coates were prosecuted after seven dogs were discovered by Slough Borough Council’s resilience and enforcement team last December in the garden of their home in Moreland Avenue, Colnbrook.

When officers executed the warrant they found a shed in the front garden and two cages in the back garden. One cage was home to two Jack Russell puppies and their mother - all owned by Albert Coates, 30. He voluntarily surrendered the animals into the care of the council.

It was believed three puppies had already died and the surviving puppies had no proper blankets or suitable bedding in winter temperatures. Their food and water were also contaminated and they were in a dirty condition.

A Jack Russell cross Chihuahua, a Chihuahua and two cocker spaniels were also found and were owned by Mr and Mrs Coates. The couple aged 44 and 40, contested surrendering the animals and a court order for possession had to be obtained.

The trio appeared at Reading Magistrates' Court for sentencing on Friday, August 9 after each had admitted neglect under the Animal Welfare Act at an earlier hearing. Albert Coates admitted an additional charge of causing unnecessary suffering.

Each of the family members was ordered to pay a £120 fine and was disqualified from owning our keeping an animal for a minimum of two years. Each was also ordered to pay £250 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

All the surviving dogs have subsequently been rehomed and nursed back to health.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, Slough Council's cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: "We cannot tolerate animals being harmed in any way in Slough and will prosecute where we can."