A woman has been banned from keeping animals for seven years after her cat was found 'half dead'.

Fiona Dorman, 31, from Ashford, had left her black cat Sweep to become emaciated, dehydrated, and covered in fleas.

Dorman admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the animal by failing to investigate her weight loss and subsequent severe kidney failure.

Magistrates in Folkestone also heard how Dorman had neglected her Jack Russell terrier Ben.

The RSPCA was called in May 2014 after receiving reports concerning the animals.

Caroline Doe, an RSPCA inspector, said: "We found Sweep - an elderly, black, long-haired cat - in an extremely poorly state. She was emaciated, dehydrated, and covered in fleas.

"She was in an absolutely terrible state - already half dead.

"She was so weak she could not even support her own body weight and was just collapsed on the floor.

"A vet said she had advanced stage of kidney failure and that she had simply not had her needs provided for in terms of nutrition, flea treatment or treatment for obvious signs of disease.

"The owner had been urged to take the vet but just hadn’t - choosing to instead leave her to suffer."

Appearing at Folkestone Magistrates Court today, Dorman was disqualified from keeping animals for seven years.

She was also given a community order for 12 months with 110 unpaid work, and made to pay costs of £5,500 plus victim surcharge of £60.

Sweep was put down as her health was so poor that a vet said ending her suffering would be the kindest thing.

To report a cruelty or animal in distress to the RSPCA call 0300 1234 999 or for more information visit their website here.