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Video: An RSPCA inspector
explains Ruby's horrific condition. WARNING: Some viewers might be
distressed by the footage

by Lynn Cox

Covered in her own faeces and infested
with maggots, this is how Ruby the dog was left by her owner.

Julie Walker, 48, was found guilty of
six animal cruelty charges after leaving the 12-year-old akita
lying in her garden.

She was convicted in her absence of
causing unnecessary suffering at Medway Magistrates' Court earlier
this month.

The court heard how the akita -
which was later put down - was found covered in its own
waste.

RSPCA Inspector Caroline Doe said the
white dog was in a worse condition than any of the other thousands
of cases she had dealt with.

After finding her guilty of all
charges, magistrates issued a warrant for Walker's arrest.

She turned up at Medway police station
on Wednesday and was taken into custody.

During the sentencing hearing, she
tried to claim she knew nothing about her trial and asked for the
case to reopened - but the court clerk found a fax Walker had sent
to the court stating she would like the case to be adjourned.

Magistrates declined reopening her
case and ruled the convictions still stood.

However, because she appeared via virtual technology, she could not
be sentenced.

It was not possible for the bench and
Walker to view the RSPCA video evidence, as the only television
available in the court was being used for the virtual hearing.

Reluctantly, magistrates adjourned the
case until Tuesday, April 24. Walker, of Priestfield Road,
Gillingham, was granted unconditional bail.

Ruby the dog was left
infected with maggots in Julie Walker's garden