A woman has been disqualified from keeping dogs for five years after her underweight springer spaniel suffered with a painful untreated skin condition.

Weston Mercury: A concerned member of the public alerted the RSPCA after seeing Cookie covered in raw, itchy scabs.A concerned member of the public alerted the RSPCA after seeing Cookie covered in raw, itchy scabs. (Image: Archant)

Sarah Taylor, of Cookson Close in Burnham-on-Sea, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Cookie when she appeared before North Somerset Courthouse on Monday.

An investigation was launched by the RSPCA after it was contacted by a concerned member of the public, who had seen Cookie covered in raw, itchy scabs.

Alongside the disqualification, which she can not appeal for three years, Taylor was also ordered to pay a £380 fine.

The 38-year-old admitted causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide veterinary care for Cookie’s skin condition between April 7 and May 7 this year, and failing to meet Cookie’s needs by ensuring he maintained an appropriate body condition, while living in Nightingale Way, Weston.

RSPCA inspector Miranda Albinson said: “Those who own animals have a responsibility to care for them and ensure health conditions are dealt with promptly by a vet to avoid their pets suffering.

“There is never an excuse for ignoring an animal in need.”