A neglectful dog owner has been banned from having pets for ten years after leaving their dog “severely emaciated”.

Skye, a female Cairn terrier, was taken to a vet by a neighbour who was looking after her.

Skye was unresponsive and had to be euthanised by the vet. The court heard she was “severely emaciated”.

Vets could feel the dog’s hip bones and there was pus coming from her mouth.

Owner Helen Louise McNamara admitted two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal between April 23 and May 25 last year.

Skye had no food in her intestines, Brighton Magistrates’ Court heard.

McNamara, of Swanfield Drive, Chichester, pleaded guilty to both charges.

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The 46-year-old was given a 12-week prison sentence which was suspended for a year. It was a 26-week sentence originally but was reduced due to the guilty plea.

McNamara has also been disqualified from owning any animals for ten years.

McNamara also has to complete six rehabilitation days and pay £350 in costs.