A WOMAN has been banned from keeping animals for three years after her cat had to be put down because of an untreated cancerous tumour.

Brenda Cooper, 58, from Seaham, was given the ban during a hearing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court after she pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to her pet cat Ava.

RSPCA inspector Cathy Maddison said: “When I visited the property in April this year, I found a dog and five cats. One cat - Ava - was in an absolutely shocking condition.

“The poor cat had a very large infected tumour on her stomach which was open and filled with pus. She was also extremely underweight - just skin and bone.

“With the owner’s consent, I rushed her to the vet. Sadly, due to the inoperable and cancerous tumour, Ava’s condition was so severe that to prevent her suffering any further the vet decided the kindest option was to put the poor cat to sleep, also with the consent of the owner.

“The remaining four cats and one dog - Alfie - have been signed over into the care of the RSPCA and are all looking for new homes.

“This was an awful case as there was nothing that could be done for Ava by the time the RSPCA was made aware of the situation. But I’m just thankful that Alfie the dog and the other cats are in our care and they too are no longer at risk of suffering.”

Cooper was also given a £430 fine.

To enquire about rehoming Alfie, call 07519 876789 and to enquire about rehoming one of the four cats call 01388 730248.