Angel the dachschund's tail was very thin. Pictures: RSPCA

A grandmother has been banned from owning dogs for five years after her dachshund was so thin all the bones in its tail could be seen.

Angel, a miniature dachshund, was kept outside owner Lisa-Marie Hibbins' Dartford home with other dogs.

But Hibbins, 47, of Green Street Green Road, admitted knowing Angel was thin, and that she had caused her unnecessary suffering.

Dartford magistrates heard a vet who examined Angel said she was in a very bad condition, particularly her tail.

In fact, after she was given the proper diet she boosted her body weight by more than a fifth in just six days.

Hibbins was handed a one-year conditional discharge and a five-year ban on keeping dogs. She was also ordered her to pay £1,000 costs.

RSPCA Inspector Vikki Dawe said: "Angel was probably suffering for a period of two weeks and was much brighter and energetic once she gained weight.

"There are no excuses for allowing an animal to get into this condition and not asking for help."