WARRANTS were issued yesterday after a couple convicted of mistreating a dog failed to turn up in court. Julie Allen and Bryan John Thomas face being banned from keeping animals after RSPCA bosses were called to investigate their desperately-thin Doberman. Magistrates in Llangefni heard how 18-month-old Taz weighed just three stone and his spine and hip protruded through his skin. The couple, who now live in a flat at Bryn Du, T£ Croes, Anglesey, were convicted in their absence of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Magistrates heard when they sold the dog to a new owner he was so ill he slept standing up. She immediately took the dog, who she renamed Tyson, to see Llangefni vet James Rutter last June. Giving evidence yesterday, Mr Rutter said the Doberman weighed 20kgs when a dog of his age should weigh about 30kgs. "An examination was carried out and there was no underlying cause. It was a lack of food," he said.. "Within two weeks it had gained 8kgs and was visibly brighter in demeanour." Mr Rutter said the dog suffered unnecessarily. RSPCA inspector Kevin Paton, who has 32 years' experience, was called in to investigate. He interviewed Allen and Thomas, both 31 and formerly of Llay, near Wrexham. They claimed the Doberman was in a better condition than when they got him in November 2004. But Caergwrle vet Miles Williams, who neutered Tyson six months earlier, said: "The dog weighed 28.3kgs at the time - about normal for a dog of his age. He was in a decent condition." Allen and Thomas said they wanted to sell Tyson because there was not enough room in their flat. The court heard they had another dog who was in a healthy condition. Mr Paton said: "The dog was skin and bone. His spine and hip were clearly visible through the skin. He was in a very poor condition and was weak on his legs." The court heard Tyson is back to full health. Prosecuting for the RSPCA, Tudur Owen asked for the case to go ahead even though the couple failed to turn up at court. They claimed in a letter they could not get legal aid. The court heard they had failed to show on numerous occasions. Chairman Michael Dolan said magistrates were considering a disqualification order against the couple, banning them from owning animals. Allen and Thomas must be in court for the order to be issued. Warrants with bail were issued for them to appear at Holyhead magistrates' court on April 20. | 
