A woman whose 'feral dogs' caused havoc in a small village by attacking owners pet cats has been convicted.

Last year residents in New Ash Green spoke out after a number of animals were left injured and in some cases killed after attacks in the night.

Louise Burton-Taylor, 54, of Idleigh Court Farm, appeared at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court last Friday charged with failing to comply with a previous Community Protection Notice.

Since 2015 there had been a number of complaints by people from the village about Saluki, Jack Russel and patterdale coming from the stables.

In 2017 she was told she must not allow them to stray during the night, however, after a number of incidents in May and June last year Burton-Taylor was visited by the animal control officer, who she failed to engage with.

Sevenoaks council managed to successfully prove on four occasions that the three dogs belonging to the 54-year-old had made their way into the village at night and attacked a number of cats.

Burton-Taylor was convicted of four offences and fined £730 thanks to the help of residents who gave witness statements and provided CCTV evidence.

This included £350 costs to the council and a £30 victim surcharge.

Sevenoaks councillor Matthew Dickins said: "We all know dog ownership brings with it responsibilities.

"Sadly Ms. Burton-Taylor failed in exercising those responsibilities, leading to her successful prosecution.

"The message is clear: Ms. Burton-Taylor’s actions were unacceptable and Sevenoaks District Council will not tolerate behaviour which puts at risk the wellbeing of either animals or our community.”

The dogs have been subject to a forfeiture order by the court, which means they will be rehoused by the council's charity partners.