A HAVERFORDWEST woman has been disqualified from keeping animals for seven years.

Michelle Evans, 35, of West Court, Haverfordwest, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday (February 3) in relation to the care of a dog and four cats.

Evans admitted three charges, that between August 1 2014 and August 15 2014, she did not provide a suitable environment for her dog and four cats and did not provide a suitable diet for them. She also admitted to not taking steps to protect the animals from pain, injury, suffering and/or disease as a consequence of a failure to adequately address a flea infestation.

RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben said: “All of the animals were in a thin condition and were all covered in fleas.

“There was such a strong smell it seemed to cling to your clothes. Unfortunately instead of getting help she chose to bury her head in the sand.”

Magistrates ordered Evans to undertake 40 hours of unpaid work, pay £500 costs and £60 victim surcharge. She was also disqualified from keeping animals for seven years.