A WOMAN has been banned from keeping animals for a decade after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to her pets.

Emma Louise Potter, 44, of Hopsfield, Milborne St Andrew, near Blandford, pleaded guilty to the charge at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court last week.

The court heard that cats Max, Flirty Berty and Percy had been shut in a “filthy” house, and one had to be put to sleep as a result of an untreated ear problem.

RSPCA inspector Jo Story said: “This house was filthy and the cats had just been left without their needs being met.

“You are not providing adequate care for your pets if you just leave them alone for long periods of time with a small amount of food and just a dripping tap for water.”

The pets were removed after one of the cats ran out of the house when a workman arrived.

Max, now renamed Devon, has been reserved by a new owner.

A new home is now also being sought for eight-year-old Percy.

For more information about Percy, or any other pets available for rehoming, contact the RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre on 0300 123 0749.