Woman Sentenced For Animal Cruelty

A Kent woman has been banned from keeping animals for life after being found guilty of cruelty to her pet dog.

Julie Walker of Priestfield Road, Gillingham was prosecuted after RSPCA inspectors found her dog Ruby collapsed in the back garden.

The 12 year old Akita was emaciated, infested with maggots, and suffering from painful ulcers and an eye condition that made it agony even to blink.

Ruby was taken straight to a vet and immediately put to sleep.

48 year old Walker was given a 26 week jail term, suspended for two years and ordered to do 300 hours unpaid community work. She must also pay a £3,000 fine, wear an electronic tag and stick to a curfew.

RSPCA Inspector Caroline Doe told Medway Magistrates Court: "I have never before seen a dog in such a terrible condition.

There was simply no excuse for the horrendous way this dog suffered. There is always help available if people can't cope."