A CHILDREN’S worker has been banned from keeping animals for five years after she failed to obtain treatment for her dog’s cancerous tumour and left him in filthy conditions.

RSPCA inspectors who attended Ann Marie Huntley’s house in Shildon, County Durham, could not enter without stepping in dog faeces, Darlington Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday.

The cross-bred dog had a large cancerous tumour on its hind leg, which a vet said was causing it pain.

The vet said the growth would have been obvious to an owner for about two months.

The court heard that the 35- year-old, who had owned dog Samson for 14 years, stopped looking after him when her depression worsened after the breakdown of her marriage.

Kevin Campbell, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said inspector Garry Palmer had visited the property, and added: “The floor area was covered with old and fresh faeces and it was impossible to enter and not stand in it.

“He described the dog as looking dirty and unkempt, and said unfortunately the dog smelt the same as the house.”

Samson was taken into the care of the RSPCA and treated, but had to be put down after he became aggressive and uncontrollable.

Graham Hunsley, in mitigation, said Huntley, who works escorting children and vulnerable adults in taxis, began suffering from depression about four years ago and had been given counselling, but not treated with medication.

He said: “Not caring for herself, she did not care for the dog in a proper way either.

“I do not think she was in the best position to understand the dog was really suffering.

This dog has been there 14 years without a hint of a problem.”

He said Huntley could lose her job because she now has a criminal conviction.

Huntley, of Cedar Grove, Shildon, County Durham, admitted two counts of causing unnecessary suffering.

She was banned from keeping animals for five years and ordered to pay costs of £100.

She will be able to appeal the ban after two years.

Magistrates chairwoman Judith Jeffrey said: “It is a sad state of affairs. We know you are obviously sorry for the situation.”

Outside court, Mr Palmer said: “If, for any reason, someone is struggling to cope with their pet, we would urge them to call us. We are here to help, but we will prosecute when it is necessary.”