A CRUEL nursery nurse who neglected her dog so badly that it had to be put to sleep is now facing being struck off.

Linda Murphy, who worked at two local childcare centres at the time of the offence, was banned from keeping animals for life and served with a £450 ban at Greenock Sheriff Court in 2013.

The Inverkip woman, who is in her 50s, allowed her West Highland terrier Yewster to suffer from a severe skin condition without getting it treated.

She has now been called to a disciplinary two-day hearing in front of the social work watchdog, the Scottish Social Services Council in Dundee.

She faces seven charges including complaints about her care of a two-year-old boy while working at a local nursery on 7 August 2013.

It is alleged she said to the toddler ‘You are a horrible wee boy’ or words to that effect, said to colleagues ‘I have given up on him’ and handled him in a rough manner by picking him up and moving him from one area of a room to another.

The SSSC have also charged Ms Murphy with causing an animal unnecessary suffering and failing to declare that she had been convicted of a criminal offence.

If the charges are proved, she could be struck off.

All charges relate to the period between June 2012 and December 2013 when she worked at Muddy Puddle Nursery in Inverkip.

Murphy, who lived at Smithy Court in Main Street at the time, pleaded guilty at Greenock Sheriff Court to failing to provide necessary veterinary attention and an adequate diet for her five year old pet, in contravention of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

The case was investigated by the Scottish SPCA, whose inspectors told of the terrible sight they found when they went to Murphy’s house.

Inspector Stewart Taylor said: “When I arrived at her property, it was clear Yewster was suffering from a severe skin complaint and he had extensive hair loss on his face, neck, legs and stomach.

“He was wearing a buster-type collar to prevent him biting or licking himself but he was constantly scratching and agitated.

“His skin was scabbed and inflamed in areas where he had been vigorously scratching in effort to gain relief and this was particularly evident around his eyes.” The SPCA team took Yewster straight to a vet for emergency treatment. The dog was found to be emaciated, suffering from severe dermatitis and conjunctivitis.

Inspector Taylor continued: “The vet stated Yewster had been caused considerable suffering for many months due to Murphy’s failure to provide veterinary attention and treatment.

“Unfortunately, the extent and severity of the dog’s condition meant that, despite the vet’s efforts and treatment, he was still in severe pain.

“His skin was bleeding easily when he scratched himself and treating his ears with drops was a difficult experience for him.” With the poor dog in such a state as a result of Murphy’s neglect, it was decided he should be put down.

Inspector Taylor said: “This was a tragic outcome which could have been avoided had Murphy ensured Yewster received veterinary attention at an earlier stage.” Murphy will go before the SSSC panel later this week.