A BOLTON woman has been banned for life from keeping animals after she left her dog in its own mess for up to three years before being reported -- by a suspected burglar.

Joyce Jones, aged 44, from Westhoughton wept throughout the hearing at Bolton Magistrates today where she was also given a 160 hours community service order.

She admitted causing unnecessary suffering to 14-year-old bearded collie, Digby.

The dog was matted in three inches of excrement when an RSPCA inspector went to her house in Upper Lees Drive, on January 22.

Digby was said to be unrecognisable as a dog and could not stand up.

Inspector Liz Walker who found him, after the charity received an anonymous tip-off believed to be from a burglar, told the Bolton Evening News that at first she thought the dog was a rolled up sheepskin rug on the floor.

She said: "From my point of view it was one of the most horrific cases I have ever seen. We are happy with the ban."

Left in a room with a smell so overpowering, it was estimated that Digby had been there for three years, but Mrs Jones had pleaded guilty to neglect over a two month period.

Tony Stock prosecuting, told the court that it was impossible for the dog to walk without pain.

Three people took two hours to shave the hair which filled a bin bag and weighed 8.4 kgms. The dog's nails were overgrown by nine centimetres and its paws covered with sores.

Mr Stock said vet Anthony Rowland had described Digby as "one of the most neglected dogs he has seen in his 10 years of veterinary experience."

Mrs Jones, who had Digby since he was three-months-old, said she did not get help because she was embarrassed.

The court heard how had said she had been struggling with debt after running up £1,700 on credit cards and £6,000 on her mortgage, but had insisted she had always kept him fed and watered.

Stephen Teasdale, defending, said Mrs Jones had already suffered as a result of media interest surrounding the case and she accepted that she should be punished.

Digby was rehoused but has since died. Mrs Jones was also ordered to pay £250 costs to the RSPCA.