A couple whose cat died after they failed to get treatment for a deeply infected abscess have been banned from keeping animals for two years.

Dizzy, a black and white female cat, had to be put down by vets after the RSPCA received a call about her welfare.

The abscess had spread so far, it had caused damage to her ear canal and was considered inoperable without causing brain damage.

Warning: graphic images below

Dizzy also had entropion of her eyes, meaning her eyelashes were rubbing against her eyes, and conjunctivitis.

Her owners Deborah Burns, 48, and David Burns, 54, of Clive Road, Rochester, pleaded guilty to two offences under the animal welfare act at Medway Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Inspector Rosie Russon said: "This is a very, very sad case of an older cat left to suffer without treatment.

"It would have been obvious Dizzy was suffering. The abscess was huge, she smelt and there was pus coming out of her ear.

"She should have been given adequate veterinary treatment at the earliest opportunity."

The couple admitted causing unnecessary suffering between June 24 and July 15 this year in relation to Dizzy’s ear canal and also admitted failing to seek adequate veterinary treatment for her eyes.

Mr Burns was fined £465 for each offence as well as £900 costs and other court costs making a total of £2,026. He also received a two year ban on owning animals.

Mrs Burns was fined £95 for each charge and £900 costs as well as other court costs making a total of £1,260 and a two year ban on owning animals.