A SECURITY guard has been banned from keeping animals for 15 years after RSPCA inspectors rescued 21 dogs from a 'house of horrors'.

Jack Downing was slammed by magistrates after they heard officers found the Lurcher-type dogs, 10 of them puppies, in the 'foul and filthy' house in Clayton.

After the discovery of the dogs, RSPCA placed them in kennels and brought a prosecution against Downing in a case that has cost £32,000.

Downing, 50, of Dargai Street, Clayton, Manchester, had pleaded guilty to three counts under the Animal Welfare Act of causing unnecessary suffering and failing to ensure the needs of the dogs.

He was given an 18-month community order, along with 200 hours unpaid work and £550 costs.

Manchester magistrates' court chairman Professor Sam Moore told him: "This is a really revolting case and it turns the stomach what we have heard."

At a previous hearing, RSPCA prosecutor David McCormick had described the house as 'foul and filthy'. The conditions came to light in March last year when an electrician carried out work at the housing association-owned premises. Then there were just 10 dogs. Mr McCormick said the house had been awash with dog muck and urine and the stench was 'overwhelming'.

Some of the puppies were covered in their own mess and one room was a 'skating rink of filth and urine', the court heard. A vet said there was no food or water in the house and all 21 dogs had suffered.

Seven puppies were found under a soiled bed 'cowering and frightened' because they hadn't been socialised.

Mr McCormick said the cost of the case had escalated to more than £32,000 - £20,000 of it for kennel fees.

Downing told the court he had tried his best to keep the place clean.

"I was struggling and I spent my savings on the dogs and tried to get them new homes," he claimed.

After the case RSPCA chief inspector Cathy Hyde and colleague Natalie Avery said it was one of the worst cases they had come across. Insp Hyde said: "We are delighted with the result. It was a house of horrors and inside we had difficulty breathing. It left us shocked and disgusted.

"Most of the dogs have been re-homed but there are still a few awaiting new homes."