A COUPLE docked the tails of seven Rottweiler puppies by tying them with elastic bands, a court heard.

David Whelan, 36 and Anna Griffin, 32, both from Stockwood, appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Whelan pleaded guilty to removing the dogs' tails and Griffin admitted permitting the removal of the tails on July 21 last year.

Kevin Withey, prosecuting for the RSPCA, explained that docking a dog's tail had only become an offence under the Animal Welfare Act in 2006.

"On September 15 last year, as a result of information, an RSPCA inspector visited the couple's home and found seven Rottweiler puppies that had had their tails docked by the defendants," he said.

Anna Van Wely, defending, said Whelan admitted docking the tails for "aesthetic reasons" and said he had used an elastic band.

The pair both received a two-year conditional discharge and were ordered to pay RSPCA costs of £300 each.