A WOMAN whose boxer dog had to be put to sleep because she failed to provide vet care has been handed a fine and a five-year ban on keeping pets.

Donna Laird, of Aitken Close, in Motherwell, was sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on October 9.

The 41-year-old was given a £500 fine and the ban following a Scottish SPCA investigation.

Laird plead guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the pet, named Skye, under section 19 Animal Health & Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Scottish SPCA inspector Heather Lawson described how the charge was dealt as Laird failed to provide the necessary veterinary treatment for a pre-existing skin complaint, ear infection and mammory tumours in Skye.

She added: “Upon veterinary examination, Skye was given a body score of 2/9, with her ribs, spine and hips being clearly visible.

“Her skin was covered in warts and skin tags, both ears were very smelly and there were several mammary masses present.

“This ultimately led to complications in Skye’s health and the omission of pain relief for her condition caused her unnecessary suffering.

“Skye was taken to one of our centres where she received veterinary care but, after consideration and examination, it was sadly concluded that Skye had such established and chronic conditions, and due to her age, any chance of a recovery was negligible and she was sadly put to sleep.

“We welcome the fact that this case has been dealt with and the sentence handed down. We hope Laird will give serious consideration about her suitability to care for other animals in the future.”