A MOTHER has been warned she could be jailed after she admitted leaving her five dogs and a pet parrot without food or water.

One the dogs was found by the RSPCA with a metal spring lodged in its throat.

Tony Stock, prosecuting, told Bolton Magistrates Court that two RSCPA inspectors attended mum-of-eight Sarah Ridings’ Westhoughton home on March 11 and noticed the dogs were underweight.

Ridings and her brother were confrontational with RSPCA officers — and police were called to the home in Greenfold Lane.

Vet Angus McKenzie said Lola, a Great Dane, had ulcerated and inflamed gums due to a spring lodged across its lower molar teeth which Ridings had not noticed.

Tia, a St Bernard, was described as “weak and poor”, with a coat in an “atrocious state” and she smelled “pungent”.

She had nearly doubled in weight six weeks after she was rescued, the court heard.

Her other dogs, Teddy, Kyra and Kia were all in a similar condition.

Inspectors also found a pet parrot in the home with no water or food in its cage.

Mr Stock said the RSCPA had incurred a number of costs amounting to more than £12,000.

James Towey, defending, said the 39-year-old had got into difficulties after her husband left her last year.

Ridings, who works as a carer, is hoping to keep two of the dogs. She admitted causing unnecessary suffering to five dogs and four counts of failing to ensure the welfare of animals.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report to be prepared and warned Ridings that custody was not being excluded.

She will be sentenced on September 15.