A WOMAN has been banned from owning a pet for the rest of her life, and will have to wear an electronic tag, after vets were forced to amputate her cat’s leg due to neglect.

Chanel Knight, 21, of Wesley Court, Southchurch Avenue, Southend, was found guilty of breaching the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

At a hearing at Southend Magistrates Court on January 22, the court heard Knight failed to seek appropriate veterinary care for her black cat Ruby which had suffered a broken leg.

Southend magistrates heard how Knight, who did not attend the hearing, had allowed her cat to suffer in pain for seven days with the injury.

Between July 7 and July 15 last year, Knight failed to “take reasonable steps” to seek treatment of any kind for the cat’s injury which the court heard led to “unnecessary suffering”.

Eventually, vets were forced to amputate the leg due to lack of treatment.

The prosecution was brought by animal charity RSPCA who believed Knight had not fulfilled her legal duty of care to her pet.

A spokesman for the charity said: “We are pleased that the court recognised the seriousness of this matter.

“Anyone with a pet has a legal duty of care for that animal, which includes seeking appropriate treatment for them when they are sick or injured.

“Even if people might be struggling, there are organisations out there which can help with the cost of providing the necessary veterinary care.

“It is not acceptable to leave an animal in pain by neglecting their need for treatment, as was the case in this instance.”

Knight was made subject of an order which disqualifies her from owning any animal for the rest of her life.

Any animal she is found to be in possession of will be seized.

The order may not be reviewed for at least 10 years.

The courts also made Knight the subject of a community order which includes a curfew and 120 hours of unpaid work.

She must wear an electronic tag for four months and ensure she is in her home between the hours of 7pm and 7am every day.

The court ordered Knight to pay an £85 victim surcharge as well as £250 in court costs which will be deducted from her benefits.

The RSPCA receives a call every 30 seconds in regard to concerns for animals welfare.

If you need to report cruelty or an animal in distress there is certain information they need to investigate.

For more information www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/reportcruelty/crueltychecklist