http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Mum-banned-from-keeping-cats.3721517.

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Mum banned from keeping cats and dogs

View Gallery By Jane O'Neill A Washington mum has been banned from keeping cats or dogs for a year. Sunderland magistrates made the order on Stacey Marie Metters after hearing her dog was found by RSPCA inspectors shivering and underfed. But the 22-year-old denied she had been cruel to the Staffordshire-cross known as Tyson. Instead she blamed a relationship break-up and lack of knowledge as to how much the young dog should be fed. RSPCA prosecutor Clive McCaig said the dog was found in the yard of Metters's home in Sulgrave, Washington, after a complaint from a member of the public. He said: "It had no form of shelter, no food and no water. "The dog was curled up and shivering in the cold, which was hardly surprising as it was on the fourth of January last year." He showed magistrates photos of the dog, adding: "You can see the ribs, the rib cage and various bones." Metters, who pleaded guilty, told RSPCA inspectors: "I get accused of doing wrong when I love my dog to bits. I have not been beating the dog or anything. "I have witnesses. I swear on my bairn's life." Defending, Lorraine Mustard said: "This offence was committed in ignorance. It is the first dog she had and the dog was purchased when she was in a relationship. The relationship broke down and she was ignorant about how much food the dog should have." Magistrates said: "Clearly the dog had suffered greatly and a society that considers itself humane has to take care of these animals. "But it is quite obvious that you were not being cruel in the literal sense of the word but rather ignorant." Metters was banned from keeping cats or dogs for 12 months and given a 12-month conditional discharge. She was ordered to pay 300 towards the costs of boarding the dog, which has since been re-homed, and 100 court costs. The full article contains 329 words and appears in n/a newspaper. Last Updated: 29 January 2008 1:24 PM