A WOMAN. From Newton Abbot has been banned from keeping animals or pets for two years.

Shannon Smith-Orchard, aged 22, of Pinewood Road, pleaded not guilty to a charge that jointly, with another person, she failed to ensure that the needs of Chanell, a cream coloured female Chihuahua dog, were met and that she failed to meet the dog’s need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury or disease.

The court heard she had failed to adequately investigate or address Chanell’s signs of ill health including flea infestation, severe dental disease and overgrown nails.

She was found guilty in her absence by South and West Devon Magistrates’ Court.

An order was made under Section 34 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to disqualify her from keeping, owning or dealing with animals for two years. She cannot apply to terminate the order within the first year.

Smith-Orchard was also fined £150 and ordered to pay costs of £250 and to pay £34 to fund victim services.