A WOMAN caused her pet to suffer unnecessarily because she claimed she loved him too much to take him to the vets in fear he would be put down.

Alison James, 39, of Bryn Pica, Tredegar, pleaded guilty to failing to provide veterinary care for her male boxer, Rocky at Abergavenny Magistrates court.

James wept as prosecutor, Aled Watkins, told the court Rocky's left hind leg had been severely swollen when the RSPCA paid a visit on June 27 last year.

Mr Watkins said Rocky had been unable to use the leg because he was in so much pain.

When the RSPCA took Rocky to the vets, they found a tumour and had to put him down.

Defending, David Lewis, said James had been aware there was a problem with Rocky and hadn't taken him to the vets because she feared he may have to be put to sleep.

He said: "Part of the problem was she loved him too much to do anything about it. The dog was a close family friend."

He added: "Unfortunately at that moment in her life she couldn't have faced putting him down.

"But I don't think she would have continued to bury her head in the sand."

Mr Lewis told the court James has arranged for her mother to look after her other dog because her experience with Rocky has knocked her confidence.

He said James has lived much of her life surrounded by animals and has never had any problems before.

Chairman Victor Watkins, told James she will now be disqualified from keeping animals for the next ten years.

James was also ordered to pay out £965 - a £500 fine, £450 towards legal costs and a £15 surcharge.