The owner of an elderly dog found with a “total lack of body fat” and infested with maggots has pleaded guilty to causing it unnecessary suffering.

Donna Edwards could now face jail after admitting neglecting the animal when she appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court yesterday.

The 33-year-old kept the black and tan German shepherd-type crossbreed chained up outside her home in Bank Street, Bilston, with a shelter that was completely open to the elements.

The 13-year-old male dog had to be destroyed by a vet after being found by chance in November last year.

Police attended the house for another matter on November 3 and officers discovered the animal in a collapsed state in the garden, it has emerged.

It was severely emaciated, unable to stand, soaking wet and surrounded by faeces.

The RSPCA was alerted and it was rushed to a vets to no avail.

Prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, Mr Roger Price told the court the dog had severe injuries and could not be saved.

He revealed there was a chain attached to the back of Edwards’ house and the garden was full of dog mess.

He added: “The shelter was wet inside and open to the elements.

“The dog suffered a urine scald and had a pressure sore.

“The emaciation was to such a degree that the skeletal structure was visible and there was a total lack or absence of any body fat.”

The dog was also infested with maggots but had not received any veterinary care to tackle the problem.

Edwards pleaded guilty to three charges of causing unnecessary suffering and two counts of failing to take reasonable care of the animal.

She was bailed to appear back at the magistrates court on February 14 to be sentenced.

She could face six months in jail and be disqualified from owning animals in the future.

The RSPCA today welcomed the fact the offence had been admitted.