Mother of two, Kelly Bennett from Tallaght, cried in court as she was prosecuted today after her two dogs were found emaciated and starved. Her three-old Jack Russell terrier and her 12-year-old boxer have since been placed in new homes. She was given a life time ban from keeping pets, fined €100 and handed a 3 month suspended sentence. A DSPCA inspector said of the boxer, “I was quite surprised this animal was alive, there was no sign of food or water.” The boxer was found dehydrated and after she was removed from the house she drank two litres of water without stopping. It was deemed that the environment was unsuitable for them and the accused was not suited to have a pet. The distraught defendant said she had been suffering from “baby blues” at the time and had asked a family member to help out with the dogs. She claimed she was staying at different addresses and didn’t know they were starving. Her solicitor asked the court to note the woman suffered from post-natal depression and had looked for help. Her client was said to embarrassed and very remorseful. Is post-natal depression an excuse for neglecting two animals? Maybe you agree that due to her condition the judge was right to show leniency?