A woman from Liverpool has been disqualified from keeping animals for life after allowing her two dogs to starve to death.
Andrea Davies received the order at Liverpool Magistrates Court in a case which was described by as one of the most “horrendous cases of animal neglect” seen in court.
The 23-year-old also handed a suspended prison sentence of 16 weeks after being found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to her dogs Koda and Hachi.
RSPCA inspectors revealed how the crossbreeds had been found in Davies’ former home at Stepney Grove after being left to fend for themselves.
Davies, from Walton, failed to return to the property for a period of months, during which the dogs were forced to survive without enough food or water.
A post mortem examination confirmed that both dogs were emaciated and their bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition upon discovery.
Pieces of plastic were found in Koda’s stomach while Hachi’s was found to be empty. It was thought both dogs had died of dehydration or starvation.
When questioned, Davies said that she had locked the dogs in the kitchen of the property, leaving them with a bucket of water and a bag of dog biscuits.
She had not asked for help or mentioned that they were left there to anyone.
In addition to the lifetime pet disqualification order and suspended sentence, Davies was ordered to attend a 20-day rehabilitation program.
She will also be electronically tagged for 16 weeks as part of a curfew order and she was ordered to pay £650 costs.
RSPCA inspector Helen Smith said: “When I entered I found 90% of the kitchen floor was covered with faeces and rubbish. Then I saw the dogs, dead.
“It was heartbreaking finding these poor dogs in this awful way, they must have endured a great deal of pain and distress as they died alone.
“We hope by bringing this matter to court we have achieved some sort of justice for Koda and Hatchi.”