A pet owner who left his animals on their own for days has been banned from keeping dogs.

David Wilson admitted abandoning his collie and a Staffordshire bull terrier/collie cross-breed puppy, along with a hamster, for four days.

When RSPCA staff were alerted they found the property in Bolding Way, Haywards Heath, which Wilson has now left, covered in excrement and other rubbish.

All the animals were short of food and water and were slipping into ill health.

Wilson, who pleaded guilty to animal cruelty at Mid Sussex Magistrates' Court, has been banned from keeping dogs for ten years.

He was also ordered to pay more than £400 costs.

RSPCA inspector Jodie Moss said: "When pet owners go away they need to ensure they make proper provisions for someone to look after their animals for them or put them into a boarding establishment."

Yesterday, Wilson's former neighbours spoke of their shock at the treatment of the animals.

Linda Coulson, 45, of Bolding Way, said: "How anyone can treat an animal in this way is beyond belief."

The two dogs, called Brandy and Ice, and the hamster, are all now said to be in good health and are being cared for by RSPCA staff. They are all looking for new homes, the animal charity said.

Wilson, who is now said to be lodging with his girlfriend, still lives in the Haywards Heath area.

The prosecution comes just months after the law was changed to offer animals greater protection from mistreatment.

Under previous legislation, those responsible for pets could only be prosecuted for cruelty once suffering had occurred.

Often it was too late to save the animal from lasting injury or death.

However, the Animal Welfare Act, which came into effect from April, includes a new offence, which means pet owners can be prosecuted after neglecting animals.

The new legislation also introduced a legal obligation for owners to care properly for their pets.