A WOMAN caused unnecessary suffering to animals she owned - including a pregnant cat left to suffer in 'severe agony' after being attacked by a dog, a court heard.

Deanna Pritchard failed to give basic care to eight animals between August 1 and August 27 last year, such as the cat and other animals including a royal python and a corn snake - both of which were put down due to the 'bad condition' they were left in - Weymouth Magistrates Court was told.

The court heard 40-year-old Pritchard also failed to care for four chickens - one of which was found dead of mite infestation - which were left in a hen hut for 'a number of weeks'.

A female hamster owned by Pritchard was found barely moving in 'filthy conditions' by RSPCA officers and Pritchard was 'waiting for it to die', the court was told.

Pritchard, of Meadow Close, Weymouth, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a grey female cat, four chickens, a royal python, a corn snake and a female hamster.

Prosecuting for the RSPCA, Matthew Knight, said: "The cat was pregnant and had been bitten by a neighbour's dog. Its tail was amputated, the animal was left in severe agony with a bleeding tail, and it didn't receive medical help.

"She also owned four chickens which were neglected and suffered with mites. One chicken had died from infestation. She had not checked on these chickens for a number of weeks. All were suffering and received a lack of suitable diet, fresh drinking water and adequate bedding.

"Two snakes were found without adequate UV lighting, which had been unplugged. The royal python was suffering with septicaemia, while the corn snake had an injured tail. Both had to be euthanised due to their bad condition'.

"The female hamster was old and left in filthy conditions. When questioned Mrs Pritchard provided a statement which said, 'we were just waiting for it to die'."

Mitigating, Niall Theobold, said: "The heat lamps were unplugged for only a couple of days.

"At the time, Mrs Pritchard was seven months pregnant and suffering from depression and living alone."

Chairman of the bench, Robert Ford, said: "You have pleaded guilty to some serious offences, but probation need to give a full report. You will be back in court."

Pritchard was given unconditional bail and will next appear at Weymouth Magistrates Court on May 7 for sentencing.