Ann Atkinson (27), of Acacia Avenue, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, had left Angel, a Staffordshire bull terrier, with no access to food or water.

When RSPCA inspectors found the dog they could clearly see its rib cage almost poking through the animal's skin.

Atkinson, who pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal at a previous hearing at Peterborough Magistrates' Court, was ordered to carry out 180 hours unpaid work, pay £150 costs as well as being banned from keeping any animal for the next five years.

Magistrates were told that inspectors had visited the address in January after a tip-off from a member of the public.

When they arrived no one was in, but they spotted the dog inside the house.

The next day they returned to the property, and by looking through the window, they could see that the dog was in a very poor state.

Representing the RSPCA, Robert Starr said: "This is a very serious case of neglect.

"The floor was covered in urine and the dog had no access to food or water.

"When she was taken to the vet, Angel weighed just 7.25kg, when the average for a dog of this type is 12kg."

Along with being seriously underweight, vets found small ulcers, its eyes were withdrawn and nails overgrown, which Mr Starr said was a classic sign of neglect.

However, he added: "After being given treatment by vets, she has made a full recovery. There was no magic treatment, just feeding her, and after two weeks Angel weighed nine kilograms.

"Angel had suffered months of neglect, and if it had continued she would have died within two to four weeks."

Julia Murtagh, defending, told the court that Atkinson had given a key to the house to her friend so she could look after the dog but other than knowing her first name "Tanya" she did not have any contact details or a surname for the friend.

She added that Atkinson said she thought the dog had lost weight because it had been pining for her while she was away.

District judge Ken Sheraton told her: "This is a serious case of neglect, and had it not been for the actions of others the dog may have died in a matter of weeks. That is more of a matter of luck than judgement in your case."