A woman who left her dog to suffer from a severe chronic skin disease for at least twelve months has been banned from keeping animals.

Rosemary Purvis, 60, left Skye the cocker spaniel in a sorry state with very little fur, sore skin and overgrown nails.

An independent vet concluded Skye had been left to suffer for 12 months, possibly longer, and that her suffering could have been prevented if her skin disease was treated earlier.

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Purvis, of Potter Walk, Hartlepool, appeared before Peterlee Magistrates Court last month charged with causing unnecessary suffering to sky by failing to seek veterinary treatment, and failing to protect her from pain, suffering, injury or disease.

She pleaded guilty to both charges.

The Northern Echo: Skye was suffering from a severe skin disease.Skye was suffering from a severe skin disease. (Image: RSPCA)

When an RSPCA inspector saw her she smelled profusely of yeast and had significant amounts of flaky skin.

In a witness statement, RSPCA inspector Lucy Green said: “Skye had extensive fur loss and her skin was scabby, inflamed, red and bleeding in places. She was scratching at her skin constantly in the short amount of time I saw her. Her nails were also overgrown and she was intermittently weight bearing on one of her back legs.”

The court heard Purvis was genuinely remorseful and had been struggling for money.

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She was banned from keeping all animals and will not be able to appeal for five years. She will also have to pay £720 in costs.

Inspector Green added: “Purvis stated in an interview that she was aware that Skye had a skin problem and that her nails were overgrown. A reasonable owner would have ensured that Skye was taken to a vet for veterinary treatment.

“If people are struggling to cover the costs, there are a number of charities which provide help for veterinary care for pet owners in financial difficulties. People can also work with their vet to spread the cost of treatment. There is no excuse for allowing any pet to get into the state Skye was in.”