A WOMAN who left her dog so starved and infected it “could have died” pleaded guilty to neglect at Alloa Sheriff Court.

Elizabeth McLeod, 41, of Lawswell, Fishcross, admitted the charge at an intermediate diet on Monday, December 10.

The offence was committed between April 1 and June 1 this year, when she caused a dog named Cody unnecessary suffering by failing to provide it with adequate nutrition.

She also failed to take the animal to the vets as it suffered from emaciation and a bacterial womb infection - which it was revealed could have been fatal.

Cody was found in a horrendous condition at McLeod's home by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) earlier this year, following a tip off.

The depute fiscal described an inspection carried out by the group to the court: “The accused was present and invited them in and there was a female bulldog in a crate with puppies.

“The witness noted the dog was incredibly thin, with her rib cage, spine and pelvic bones clearly visible.

“Bedding in the crate smelled foul, with urine and faecal stains and no food or water bowl.

“The accused was told to offer the dog food, and she was given food which she ate vociferously, taking large mouthfuls.

“She was then asked to give it water and it drank very quickly, two full bowls of water.

“It was noted the dog had fresh blood on her hind legs and around her vaginal area.”

During the inspection McLeod confirmed she had owned the dog for two years without taking it to the vet.

The prosecutor then went on to reveal the results of subsequent examinations of the animal carried out by two vets.

They said: “The dog was described as emaciated with a body condition score of one out of nine.

“The dog was approximately 30 per cent underweight, and had depleted the majority of her fat stores to produce milk for the puppies.”

She continued: “Had she been left for a few more days she could have entered a toxic state.

“A uterine infection was also confirmed and the dog was provided with additional medication to start gaining weight.”

The dog was also sent for an operation to treat its infection, which revealed how serious a condition the animal was in.

The prosecutor continued: “The uterus was found to be enlarged and to contain multiple contained placentas, believed to have caused infection.

“If left untreated, the dog would have developed septicaemia and could have died.”

It was confirmed the animals have since been taken off McLeod and sent to a rescue centre where they can be looked after.

Sheriff David Mackie adjourned the case to allow criminal justice social work reports to be prepared for the court.

The case will call again on January 17 next year for sentencing.