A RUNCORN woman has been disqualified from keeping all animals for five years after she neglected her dog.

Claire Power, aged 23, of Centurion Row, Castlefields, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to an Akita dog called Kaiser.

She failed to tend to the dog’s poor body condition and weight loss between August 26 and September 2 last year.

She also pleaded guilty to failing to meet the dog’s needs by providing a suitable environment and failing to adequately maintain the dog’s coat resulting in matting.

She appeared at Runcorn Magistrates Court for sentencing on April 22 after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

The court was told that RSPCA inspectors had visited Power on a number of occasions previously concerning the welfare of the dog.

Despite repeated offers of help and advice, Power still failed to look after the dog appropriately.

When Kaiser was found, he was underweight and severely matted. He is now being looked after by the RSPCA.

Power was disqualified from keeping all animals for five years and ordered to carry out 300 hours unpaid work as part of a 12 month community order. She was also ordered to pay £750 costs.

Speaking after the case, RSPCA inspector Leanne Cragg said: “The RSPCA has tried on numerous occasions to work with the defendant, but despite our intervention she had still failed to take action to help the dog.

“We hope this case sends out a clear message that neglecting animals will not be tolerated by the courts.”