A FALMOUTH couple will be sentenced for animal cruelty at the end of next month.

Peter and Vicki Quick, of Oakfield Road, committed five joint offences in September and October last year.

They were due to be sentenced by magistrates on Wednesday, but Mrs Quick was taken ill in the morning and was unable to attend.

Mr Quick explained to the court that she had had a panic attack and struggled to leave the house.

Magistrates told the 37 year-old to explain to his wife the importance of attending the next hearing on March 27.

They said that her failure to do so would result in police issuing a warrant for her arrest.

The case was adjourned to determine whether Mr Quick will be the subject of a Alcohol Treatment Requirement order, having met with a probation officer before Wednesday's hearing.

There are two charges of causing unnecessary suffering and three charges of failing to ensure the needs were met.

All offences relate to their two dogs Scooby and Bambi and their four cats, Toulouse, Cookie, Crumble and Dough.

Prosecutor Lindi Meyer asked Quick if he was prepared to hand over the animals on a permanent basis to the RSPCA, given the rising costs of their care, but Quick refused.