A SICK and emaciated dog with an infected one-and-a-half kilo tumour had to be put down because her owner failed to get any help for her until it was too late.

Fourteen-year-old Switch, pictured, also had ‘severe’ infections in both of her ears, and she was so thin as she lay on a bloodstained blanket that her bones were protruding.

Owner Anne Marie Lever — who said she had no money to pay for treatment — allowed the dog to deteriorate for nearly eight WEEKS before finally calling the Scottish SPCA.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how Lever, 39, stood by as Switch’s weight plummeted to nearly half what it should have been, when she had to be euthanised by a vet.

Prosecutor Lindy Scaife said: “Scottish SPCA received a call from the accused, stating that her dog had a lump on its side which had become infected.

“The inspectors noted an extremely unpleasant odour and the dog, a 14-year-old bitch, was lying on a bloodstained blanket with a massive lump on her side.

“The animal was incredibly thin with obvious bones protruding.”

Fiscal depute Ms Scaife added: “The dog was taken to a vet and was examined and found to be severely underweight.

“She had a body condition of one out of five and weighed 19 kilos when her ideal weight was 30 kilos.

“The dog had severe infections in both of her ears, as well as dental disease and a large tumour on her right flank which measured 12 inches in diameter and weighed 1.5 kilos.

“Her skin was ulcerated and the open wound had become infected.

“A decision was made to humanely euthanise the dog.”

Lever, of Belville Street, Greenock, pleaded guilty to causing Switch unnecessary suffering by failing to provide adequate care and treatment, including veterinary advice.

She committed the offence between January 1 and February 23 when she lived in a flat on the town’s St Lawrence Street.
Ms Scaife added: “The accused was interviewed under caution and she advised that the lump had become ulcerated at new year.

“Asked why she didn’t go to a vet, she replied that she never had funding.”

Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher reiterated that it was Lever who called in animal welfare officers.

Mr Gallagher said: “She effectively inherited the dog following the passing of an uncle and she had it for some four years.

“The health of the animal deteriorated quickly from new year onwards.

“She had no funds for treatment but had made some calls and found the fees too expensive to pay, then she phoned the Scottish SPCA for help.

“Miss Lever is quoted as saying, ‘It’s killing me that I can’t do anything to help her.”

Sheriff Daniel Kelly deferred sentence for a background report and an electronic tagging assessment.

The Scottish SPCA today welcomed the outcome of the court proceedings.

Inspector Laura McIntyre told the Telegraph: “We are pleased Lever has pleaded guilty following our investigation.

“The court will now decide on the appropriate sentence.

“Under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 this may include a ban on keeping animals.” 
The case is due to call again on November 14.