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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

A dog owner has been banned from
owning animals for life after leaving her pet covered in her own
faeces and infested with maggots.

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

The 48-year-old, of Priestfield Road,
Gillingham, was today handed the ban by Medway magistrates.

She was also given a 26-week prison
sentence - suspended for two years - and a six-month
curfew.

Walker (pictured left) was ordered to
carry out 300 hours' unpaid work and pay £3,000 court costs.

Magistrate Elizabeth Brown said: "This
is a case of a prolonged neglect of your pet. It suffered serious
injury and you ignored advice."

Walker 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.

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