A woman from St Nicholas At Wade has been banned from keeping animals for life after causing unnecessary suffering to 13 Bedlington terriers.

The conditions that Susan Dowdswell, of Shuart Lane, kept the dogs in were the “worst ever seen” by the RSPCA inspector who worked on the case.

The animal charity also found the skeleton of another Bedlington terrier and the carcas of a puppy when they were called to Dowdswell’s property in October 2007.

Appearing at Margate magistrates court on Monday, Dowdswell was given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £1,500 in costs, in addition to the lifetime disqualification.

Speaking after sentencing, RSPCA inspector Charlotte Eyden said: “Our primary concern is that, in the future, no animals are left in these sort of conditions. Hopefully the lifetime ban imposed on Dowdswell will prevent this from happening.”

Bedlington terriers are high-energy dogs that need vigorous exercise several times every day to keep them healthy. The dogs, which have a woolly texture, live for an average of 13 years.

Ms Eyden said that would-be owners of any breed of dog should “only take on what they can manage”.

She added: “It’s hard enough to look after one animal, with all the costs, exercise, feeding regimes, grooming and veterinary bills that are involved, so we would strongly advise that you only take on what you can manage.”

The RSPCA relies on members of the public to report incidents of animal cruelty or welfare concerns. The charity’s 24-hour helpline is 0300 1234 999