A WOMAN has admitted causing unnecessary suffering to her pet dog by failing to get veterinary attention for a severe skin problem.

Tracy Roberts, 53, told a court she accepted full responsibility and was dreadfully sorry – but because of circumstances she had not been living at home.

Roberts, of The Highcroft, Connah’s Quay, who told how her life had been in turmoil, was banned from keeping any animal for six years.

At Flintshire Magistrates Court at Mold yesterday she was placed on a 12-month community order with 60 hours unpaid work, £300 costs and a £60 surcharge.

District Judge Gwyn Jones told her he understood that she had been through a difficult time.

He said she had never been in any trouble before and he took into account her timely guilty plea.

The court was told the nine-year-old bull terrier Marshall – left at her home by a former partner – had since been put down.

He would have needed constant and probably lifetime treatment for the skin condition but he was said to be aggressive and impossible to handle.

Glen Murphy, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said the charity had been contacted by Roberts’ son who requested the dog be taken in as he could not afford the veterinary treatment required.

An inspector found the dog was of normal bodily condition but had an obvious and severe skin condition.

It was so aggressive at the vet’s that it was taken to an animal centre, it was found to have an acute skin condition and dry eyes. The dog had the condition for at least three months but probably longer, but had not been taken to the vet’s.

Mr Murphy said the RSPCA had previously given advice on how the dog should be treated and had provided two £30 vouchers for the required medication but they did not seem to have been used.

Probation officer Andrew Connah said Roberts accepted full responsibility and had shown genuine remorse for the way things had turned out.

She had a difficult time over several years, her daughter and her boyfriend had moved in, and she had moved out because of their chaotic lifestyle.

“As a result she was not staying at home as much as she should have and it was during that time the neglect took place,” he said.

She had suffered a breakdown and had been receiving counselling for medication.

Roberts told the court: “I am not making excuses. 

“My life was in turmoil. I have no intention of ever having a pet again. 

“I am dreadfully sorry.”