A Millom woman has been banned from keeping animals for five years after her dog was found to be severely underweight.
Emma-Marie Thompson, 30, of Lapstone Road, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a dog and failing to ensure the needs of the dog and was sentenced at Barrow Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard the three-year-old German Shepherd crossbreed, Xena, was so underweight her ribs, spine and pelvic bones were visible.
The RSPCA was tipped off about Xena and inspector Martyn Fletcher visited Thompson on January 15. He was shown into the backyard where the dog was being kept.
Inspector Fletcher said: “I could immediately see that the dog was in a very poor bodily condition, with its spine and hip bones prominent and its ribs visible.”
An exam by a vet revealed Xena weighed only 15kg, had two skin lesions on her legs. Blood tests showed she was suffering from severe malnutrition.
Vet Emily Jones said: “I would have expected a dog of her stature to be a minimum of 27kg, so she was severely underweight. There is no other reason for her emaciated condition other than starvation through malnutrition.”
Thompson agreed to sign Xena over into the care of the RSPCA Cumbria West Branch the day after the inspector’s visit.
Thompson was also given a six-week curfew from 7pm to 7am and undertake 25 rehabilitation activity days. She also has to pay a victim surcharge of £95.
In mitigation, the court was told that she was suffering from mental health issues after three bereavements.
Since being cared for by the RSPCA, Xena has returned to a healthy condition and has been successfully rehomed with new owners.
After the court hearing, Inspector Fletcher said: “This case shows again how important it is for members of the public to report any suspicions that they may have of animal neglect to the RSPCA so we can investigate.
“I am thrilled to see that Xena has progressed so well in RSPCA care and is now a healthy dog who loves her new home.”
