A pitbull terrier has been put down and his owner banned from keeping animals after neglecting him.

Claire Attwood, 37, of Cornwallis Avenue, Gillingham, admitted two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to her dog, Titan, and one of failing to get adequate vet’s care for his skin condition.

Medway magistrates heard how RSPCA officers visited her home after hearing of concern about the dog’s poor condition.

When the animal, which was thought to be a bulldog, was taken to a vet, it was found with a bad skin condition on its back and was under weight.

Within two days of being in the vet’s care and fed properly, the dog had increased his body weight by 9%.

Andrew Wiles, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, told magistrates that vets believed Titan had been suffering from his malnourished state and his irritating skin condition, which had originally been caused by fleas, for at least two weeks.

Mr Wiles added: “After the dog was treated he showed an improved condition.”

“Sadly, the dog turned out to be an unregistered pitbull-type and had to be euthanised.”

Defending herself, Attwood, an unemployed mother of five who is on benefits, said she had owned Titan since he was six weeks old and that he was just over two when his condition came to the attention of the RSPCA.

She added: “My mum had passed away and it turned my world upside down.

“My dad was there [when mum died], and they have been married for 33 years and he went downhill and depressed. And I was trying to look after him and my family and I couldn’t cope with anything at that time – I had a breakdown.

“It’s my own fault" - Claire Attwood

“It’s my own fault [the dog’s condition].”

Chairman of the bench Sandra Neilan told Attwood magistrates were banning her from keeping animals for three years and that they were placing her on a 24-month conditional discharge.

She added: “This is a very serious matter but we accept your personal mitigation and see you are of previous good character.”

Attwood was also ordered to pay a £500 contribution toward vets bills and court costs.

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