Animals found with ""a chronic infestation

A WOMAN was banned from keeping animals for 10 years after her dogs were found with a chronic infestation . Julie Scott sobbed as she admitted causing unnecessary suffering to her two dogs, Digger and Champ. She was also ordered to hand the dogs over per

A WOMAN was banned from keeping animals for 10 years after her dogs were found with "a chronic infestation".

Julie Scott sobbed as she admitted causing unnecessary suffering to her two dogs, Digger and Champ.

She was also ordered to hand the dogs over permanently to the RSPCA and ordered to pay £150 costs.

Scott, 46, of Weston Miller Drive, Wisbech, was visited by the RSPCA on August 17.

Julian Hunt, prosecuting, said entry was refused but the dogs were brought to the door.

He told Fenland magistrates on Friday that Digger, a black-and-white collie, had an obvious skin condition, extensive hair loss over its body, obvious redness and was crawling with fleas.

Mr Hunt said: "So severe was the skin condition the dog was not able to move any distance without scratching or shaking its head.

"Samples were taken on a piece of paper and in excess of 100 fleas were on it."

Champ, a crossbreed, had some hair loss, was seen to scratch frequently and had to have its nails clipped.

Mr Hunt added the inspector later saw the conditions the dogs were living in, describing them as "appalling".

"There were faeces littered in each room except the living room," he said. "And there was no food or water."

He said the defendant "didn't want to admit she was not coping. She agreed with the RSPCA vet they have a chronic infestation and accepts she should have seen a vet a long time ago."

Scott, who was not represented in court, said she was sorry and added: "It was mainly down to my illness.

"I was not able to get out of the house and am not able to go out to work; I am on long-term incapacity benefit.