A WOMAN has been given a two-year ban from keeping dogs after she left her pet without food and water for days.

Janelle Johnstone, 36, of Reed Street, Strathaven, was sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Monday, November 13.

She left Angel, her jack Russell cross Chihuahua type dog, unattended and made no attempt to provide her with food or water.

She has been banned from keeping dogs for two years, given a £450 fine and a deprivation order following a Scottish SPCA investigation.

Johnstone pled guilty to leaving Angel unattended and failing to make adequate provision for her welfare and making no attempt to provide food or water whilst visiting a friend’s house.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Heather Lawson said: "Poor Angel had been left alone without food or water for several days.

"There were faeces present in the bathroom, kitchen and hallway of the property.

"Thankfully Angel didn’t come to harm but anything could have happened as she was left alone for a period of time.

"We’re pleased to say that Angel will soon be looking to find her loving forever home.”

Inspector Lawson added: "Whilst we are pleased that Johnstone has been dealt with by the courts we currently feel sentencing for animal abuse is very inconsistent in Scotland and we would like to see an increase in the maximum jail sentence which would provide the sheriff with a greater range of options.

"We hope Johnstone will give serious consideration to her ability to care for animals in the future."