A woman from Potters Bar has been banned from keeping dogs for two years.

Carol Ann Andrews, 27, of Coningsby Drive, Potters Bar, pleaded guilty yesterday to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering and failing to provide adequate veterinary care for her 11-month-old pit bull Saffy.

Saffy was found at Andrews’ home with her neck covered in sores and the RSPCA launched an investigation after being alerted by a member of the public.

They later discovered she had attempted to treat her dog’s mange with eczema cream.

As well as the ban, Andrews was fined £300 plus £60 in costs and given a community order at St Albans Magistrates Court yesterday.

The charity’s investigating officer Tina Ward said: “It is really disappointing that any owner could think that mange could be treated using a human eczema cream. It was completely inadequate.”

As a breed listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act, Saffy was put to sleep.

Ms Howlett added: “We definitely urge members of the public that in the case of mange, not try to self-medicate and take their pet to the vet immediately.”