Tara Baines (36), of Pine Street, Nelson, pleaded guilty at Pennine Magistrates' Court to causing unnecessary suffering to a tan male lurcher by failing to provide veterinary care at the earliest opportunity.

The animal was described by Mr Chris Wyatt (prosecuting) as "in a state of collapse" when taken to Stanley House Vets, Colne, in May by Baines's then partner, Robert Caddis. It was hypothermic, had sunken eyes and its blood samples indicated kidney failure.

When Caddis left the dog, he said he would return later, but having lied about how the animal had gone missing and how he had found her in this state, he did not return. The dog later died. The vet tried to find the owners by contacting the RSPCA after Caddis was reluctant to return and gave a false address.

And as he had failed to attend court three times to face joint charges with Baines, no longer lived with her and his whereabouts were unknown, it was decided to deal with her trial separately.

Mr Wyatt said Baines had noticed there was a problem the week before which was getting worse daily. She described the dog's condition as "skinny" and said "he looked like he was going to die any moment".
She had told Mr Caddis he should have told the truth about the dog. The family also owned another dog and a budgie which have since been relocated by the RSPCA.

Mr Bill Berry (defending) said the animal had been a gift from Caddis to Baines and her daughters. They were now separated and she had kept the animal two or three years.

The court heard Baines was a woman of previous good character and their relationship had broken down due to his drug abuse.

Mr Berry said: "Miss Baines accepts she should have acted sooner but it was a lack of money that prevented her from doing so. She was too upset to take the dog to the vet herself and unfortunately Mr Caddis has given a complete cock and bull story and told lies to the vet."

The court ordered she should not be able to own, keep or participate in keeping any animal for 15 years and was told to pay £200 towards her half of the £900 costs incurred by vet bills and RSPCA.

An arrest warrant was issued by magistrates on Caddis and executed on Monday. He appeared before magistrates and received the same sentence as Baines.