A WOMAN from Dalton has been sentenced after she was found guilty of abandoning four dogs which were so severely dehydrated they were licking condensation off the windows.

Police and Barrow Borough Council raided Michelle Brown's address on December 28 of last year following concerns raised by neighbours. They found four thirsty and underweight dachshunds.

Nearby residents claim that they had seen the dogs on the window sills inside the house trying to lick the condensation off the windows as a way of getting water.

Four dogs Dachshund-type dogs – Vince, Bo, Floyd and Tia – were rescued by the authorities and checked over by a vet and found to be dehydrated and underweight.

RSPCA prosecutor Steven Marsh said at the hearing earlier this month: "The defendant was living at this address with four dogs which she abandoned. Neighbours became concerned because of the noises the dogs were making and the fact they were seen up at the window.

"The police and council forced entry into the property and seized four dogs. They were all underweight and looked like they had been left for some time. When the owner was traced she said she was no longer physically or mentally able to look after the dogs."

Brown of Wellington Street, Dalton, was found guilty of two counts of failing to be responsible for an animal's welfare. In which she did not provide a suitable environment for them to live and did not provide a suitable diet for their needs or access to fresh drinking water.

At a sentencing hearing at Furness Magistrates' Court this morning, Brown was banned from owning animals for eight years. She was also given a 12-week curfew and ordered to pay £500 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

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