A WOMAN has been banned from keeping animals for five years after her German Shepherd dog was found severely underweight at her home.

A court was told that Emma-Marie Thompson's three-year-old German Shepherd crossbreed, called Xena, was so underweight her ribs, spine and pelvic bones were clearly visible.

Thompson pleaded guilty to one charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog and one of failing to ensure the needs of the dog were met when she appeared at Barrow's magistrates’ court.

Acting on reports of concerns for a dog at the address, RSPCA inspector Martyn Fletcher visited Thompson on January 15 and was shown into the backyard where the dog was being kept.

In his witness statement, Inspector Fletcher said: “I could immediately see that the dog was in a very poor bodily condition, with its spine and hip bones prominent and its ribs visible.

“The dogs’ head also had a sunken appearance. It was subdued and uninterested in my presence.”

The inspector took the dog to a vets where an examination showed she weighed only 15kg, while she was scored only one out of five in a body condition rating.

Xena also had two skin lesions on her legs. Blood tests showed she was suffering from severe malnutrition.

Vet Emily Jones said in her witness statement: “I would have expected a dog of her stature to be a minimum of 27kg, so she was severely underweight.

"There is no other reason for her emaciated condition other than starvation through malnutrition.”

Thompson, of Lapstone Road, Millom, agreed to sign Xena over into the care of the RSPCA Cumbria West Branch the day after the inspector’s visit.

In mitigation the court was told that she was suffering from mental health issues after multiple bereavements.

Magistrates ordered that she observe a six-week curfew from 7pm to 7am and undertake 25 rehabilitation activity days. 

The Mail: HAPPY: XenaHAPPY: Xena

Since being cared for by the RSPCA, Xena is said to have returned to a healthy condition and has been rehomed with new owners.

After the court hearing, Inspector Fletcher said: “This case shows again how important it is for members of the public to report any suspicions that they may have of animal neglect to the RSPCA so we can investigate.

“I am thrilled to see that Xena has progressed so well in RSPCA care and is now a healthy dog who loves her new home.”