Two elderly dogs found underfed and neglected at a house in Canterbury had to be put down, magistrates have been told.

The pets belonged to Alison Mutton, 33, of Querns Road, who admitted two offences of causing them unnecessary suffering.

The charges were brought by the RSPCA which had been alerted to the plight of the dogs.

Mutton, a mother-of-two, also admitted failing to get veterinary treatment for one of the dogs and adequately caring for the other.

Magistrates were told the offences related to a 11-year-old german shepherd type, called Sadie and a 16-year-old cross-breed, called Benjie.

Jim Richards, prosecuting for the charity, said both dogs were examined by a vet and found to be seriously undernourished with matted hair.

One also had a dental disease, which was likely to be causing it great pain.

He added: “The case is simply one of a lack of care. Given the dogs’ ages and the poor prognosis, the decision was taken to put them down.”

He said that when interviewed by an RSPCA inspector, Mutton said she had put the dogs “out the back” so they were out of mind.

Debbie Pizzey, for Mutton, said she took full responsibility for the offences but had been suffering from both serious health and financial problems at the time.

Mutton was sentenced to a 12 month conditional discharge, banned from keeping any animals for five years and ordered to pay £250 costs.