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A Kilmarnock woman who duct-taped a muzzle to her dog’s face before going on holiday has been branded “sickening” by a sheriff.

Elisabeth Steel, 44, appeared before Kilmarnock Sheriff Court where she admitted the horrific cruelty towards her dog, named Rio and causing him unnecessary suffering.

Steel, of Methven Avenue in the town, left her collie locked in a kitchen without food or water and duct-taped a muzzle to the animal’s face.

Steel pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate care for Rio, who was left abandoned with sores, hair loss and fleas while she went off on a holiday.

The court heard how Rio was only saved after a neighbour heard the dog whimpering from the property downstairs on July 18.

The prosecutor said: “The witness was aware that the accused had left early that day to go on holiday.”

He looked through the window and saw the dog wearing a muzzle “wrapped with black tape” and “noted that there was no food or water”.

The neighbour contacted the Scottish SPCA and later the police.

The court heard how police witnesses who attended saw the black and white collie lying within the kitchen area.

After forcing entry into the property, the officers found that the dog was still alive and began to walk around.

The fiscal depute stated: “The door was bolted shut. There was no food or water within the bowls and the dog was wearing a muzzle wrapped in black tape and was also wearing a collar which was too tight.”

Steel was interviewed and told police that she was the owner of the dog who was later taken into the care of the SSPCA.

Steel’s lawyer Graeme Cunningham said he would say more on her behalf after social work reports had been prepared for the court.

Sheriff Alastair Watson said: “This is a pretty sickening piece of behaviour towards a helpless animal and I will have to consider how best to deal with you on the next occasion.”

Sheriff Watson added that he would likely disqualify Steel from owning animals when she reappears for sentencing next month.

Following Steel’s appearance in court, Scottish SPCA chief inspector Laura McIntyre said: “This was an awful case of cruelty causing Rio to suffer unnecessarily.

“We are pleased Steel has admitted the offence and we look forward to hearing the sentencing in this case.”