A DORSET vet who allowed her dogs to become severely matted has been fined – and could be struck off.

Kerstin Vockert, 56, a practising vet, appeared at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court, having previously admitted failing to meet the dogs’ needs and failing to protect them from suffering by not adequately grooming them, contrary to the Animal Welfare Act.

Vockert, of Ringwood Road, Sopley, was fined £620, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £62 and costs of £300.

Vockert faces a further investigation from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, which could see her barred from practising.

The court heard that cocker spaniel Millie and Shih Tzu Happy were found in September 2014 with severely matted fur that was also caked in mud and faeces.

Happy was found wandering in the road late at night by passers-by who took him in.

The court heard that the RSPCA was alerted and inspectors visited Vockert’s address where they saw a number of other dogs, including heavily matted cocker spaniel Millie.  When they returned the next day, Vockert had put Millie to sleep.

Matthew Knight, prosecuting for the RSPCA, told the court: "It's not acceptable to leave coats to degenerate to this level. She was aware of this. As a veterinary surgeon she should have known better and she should have done something about it."

Stephen Barnfield, defending, said: "This was not wilful neglect or even careless neglect, but misjudgement, and she accepts the decision not to groom them was wrong, but it was made with the best intentions.

"She cares for all her dogs - walking them three times a day, worming them every three months and all the other dogs go to the groomers on an eight-weekly cycle."

The court heard she has six other rescue dogs at her home, all of which are in good condition.

Following the hearing, Inspector Patrick Bailey said: “I have dealt with numerous matted dogs in my career with the RSPCA but I have never seen any as horrifically matted as Millie was.”

Happy needed to have an eye removed as it was prolapsed when he was found. He has been living with a foster family who are now planning to keep him permanently after he was officially signed over to the RSPCA by the court.

Vockert was allowed to continue keeping animals after she told the court a ban would mean 'professional ruin' for her.