A woman who admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a dog has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Violet Holmes, 60, appeared before Wirral magistrates court charged with failing to seek veterinary treatment for German Shepherd 'Yarna' who had an infected tumour.

Her partner had previously been jailed after admitting he had beaten the dog to death with a shovel "to ease its suffering".

The 11-year-old animal was found by RSPCA inspectors in a garden at Birkenhead in June last year after they'd received calls from neighbours who heard "distressing screams" coming from the property on Falcon Road.

A post-mortem revealed the animal suffered liver failure after being given a cocktail of painkillers.

The court was told the pet was killed by several blows to the head.

In November of last year Ms Holmes' partner Graham Williams, 60, was jailed for four months after admitting force-feeding painkillers to Yarna before beating her to death.

Defending solicitor Quentin Neal said Holmes, who has no previous convictions, was full of remorse for what happened but had been too ill to take Yarna to the vet for treatment.

Holmes told the hearing: "I'm ashamed, I love animals."

District Judge Michael Abelson said: "Cruelty to animals in civilised society cannot be tolerated.

"Far too many cases like this come before me.

"I'd like to compliment RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes and his team for their help in this matter."

He continued: "By her plea she has indicated she is guilty - but she's basically a decent woman.

"I get the impression her partner was quite an assertive individual who put her in a difficult position.

"He accepted he was not prepared to spend the money on vet care."

Judge Abelson sentenced Holmes to four months' jail suspended for two years.

A lifetime ban from owning animals was also imposed.

RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes told the Globe afterwards: "Holmes was clearly the lesser party in this awful case and the sentence obviously reflects that.

"However it does not change the fact that Yarna had been left suffering unnecessarily for a prolonged period of time.

"That suffering could and should have been alleviated by her owners by them seeking prompt Veterinary attention. 

"This was such a sad case that was completely avoidable.

"I'm grateful to the District Judge for handing down lifetime disqualifications in respect of both defendants.

"I feel content that at least through this investigation, Yarna's suffering hasn't gone completely unanswered."