A VET who mistreated her own dogs has been fined - and could be struck off.

Kerstin Vockert, 56, of Ringwood Road, Sopley, appeared at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, having previously admitted failing to meet the dogs’ needs and failing to protect them from suffering by not adequately grooming them, contrary to the Animal Welfare Act.

A vet of 19 years and director of Ark Aid Veterinary Centre in Irving Road, Bournemouth - which has no links to Ark Aid in Poole - she was handed a fine of £620, as well as having to pay a victim surcharge of £62 and costs of £300.

Vockert faces a further investigation from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, which could see her barred from practising.

The court heard that cocker spaniel Millie and 11-year-old rescue shih tzu Happy were found after a tip-off in September 2014 with severely matted fur that was also caked in mud and faeces. They had not been groomed for at least six months.

The weight of their mangled coats caused them discomfort and made it difficult for them to walk.

Happy was found wandering in the road late at night by passers-by, who took him in.

The RSPCA was alerted and inspectors visited Vockert's home, where they saw a number of other dogs, including a heavily matted cocker spaniel, Millie.

When they returned the next day, Vockert had put Millie to sleep.

Matthew Knight, prosecuting for the RSPCA, told the court: "It's not acceptable to leave coats to degenerate to this level. She was aware of this. As a veterinary surgeon she should have known better and she should have done something about it."

Stephen Barnfield, defending, said: "This was not wilful neglect or even careless neglect, but misjudgement, and she accepts the decision not to groom them was wrong, but it was made with the best intentions.

"She cares for all her dogs - walking them three times a day, worming them every three months and all the other dogs go to the groomers on an eight-weekly cycle."

Following the hearing, Inspector Patrick Bailey from the RSPCA said: “I have dealt with numerous matted dogs in my career with the RSPCA, but I have never seen any as horrifically matted as Millie was."

Happy had to have an eye removed, as it was prolapsed when he was found.

He has been living with a foster family, which is now planning to keep him permanently after he was signed over to the RSPCA by the court.

Vockert was allowed to continue keeping animals after she told the court a ban would mean 'professional ruin' for her.

The court heard she has six other rescue dogs at her home, all of which are in good condition.