A woman was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Tuesday, 7 January after leaving a dog and 35 puppies in an abandoned caravan in Sussex.

Micaela Anderson-Letts, 35, of The Rowans, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Investigating officer, PC Marie Jenner, of the Sussex Police Rural Crime Team, said: "The whole floor was covered in faeces and urine-soaked cardboard. There were exposed wires, nails and screws, and broken pieces of wood and tools throughout.

"The conditions were completely uninhabitable."

Between 24 and 26 July 2021, Anderson-Letts failed to transport the dog and puppies in a safe way and to provide medical treatment to the protected animals.

CCTV footage showed the caravan had been towed to the location at approximately 3.00am by a 4x4 vehicle, where police officers later found the animals.

Anderson-Letts pleaded guilty to the charges at an earlier hearing and awaited sentencing at Kingston Crown Court.

She was sentenced to 24 months' imprisonment, suspended for 24 months.

Anderson-Letts was also given an animal banning order and ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work.

Jenner said: "Anderson-Letts had previously been issued an animal banning order and showed complete disregard to the judicial system by continuing to involve herself with puppies."

She added: "I am happy that this case has finally come to a conclusion."

Police officers and the RSPCA attended to the scene and after a forced entry, a mix of Labradors, Dachshunds and French Bulldogs were found.

Vets were also present at the scene and seized the animals under the Animal Welfare Act.

The RSPCA examined the puppies and 14 were hospitalised as a result.

One Dachshund puppy passed away due to dehydration and starvation.

Following the needed veterinary care, the puppies will be put up for adoption to loving families.