A WOMAN has been banned from keeping animals after RSPCA officers found her emaciated dog locked in a bathroom while she was on holiday.

Pit bull terrier Capone was left with only water from the toilet to drink and an open bag of food for up to three weeks while his owner was on holiday.

When he was found by an RSPCA inspector Becky Timberlake he was less than half the normal weight for the breed and was so weak he had to be carried out of the house.

Michaela Spencer, 22, of Sydenham Park, Sydenham, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary harm to a protected animal.

Inspector Timberlake said: “It is unbelievable someone would think it is acceptable to just go away and leave a dog locked up at home alone.”

Spencer was banned from keeping any animal for ten years, ordered to pay £250 in costs and given a four month curfew tag.