A neglected puppy was found surrounded by her own faeces after being abandoned by her owner, a court heard.

Aprilouise ‘Toni’ Rushford, 34, left her two French Bulldogs at home alone for six days - for reasons currently undisclosed.

Both pets were found to be malnourished and desperate for something to eat and drink.

Rushford’s landlord called the RSPCA once it was discovered the two dogs had been left unattended.

Prosecuting, Sarah Wheadon told Southampton Magistrates’ Court the dogs had been abandoned from January 19 to January 25 of this year.

She said: “The RSPCA officer entered the defendant’s former address in Derby Road, Southampton, and found a small bulldog desperate to get out of the room.

“The puppy, called Crystal, had ribs showing, there were faeces and urine everywhere, and no windows were open.

“The officer went into another room to get the dog some water and found another dog, named Cali.

“The dog was so underweight and the floor of this room, believed to be the dining room, was covered broken items, and there was no sign of food or water.”

READ MORE: Dog left 'unable to stand' after weeks of neglect by owner

Ms Wheadon went on to tell the court how the puppy “drank like she had never had water before” before both dogs were taken to Beech House Vets.

Crystal, the puppy, weighed only 3.3kg while Cali weighed 7.3kg.

Rushford, of London Road, Southampton, pleaded guilty to one count of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and one count of duty of person responsible for animal to ensure welfare.

Chair of the Magistrates’, John Moore, told Rushford: “It is in your best interest to co-operate fully with probation services ahead of your sentencing.”

Rushford will be sentenced at the same court on October 25.