THE tails of eight Rottweiler puppies were cut off using a pair of scissors and boiling water.

Julie Wilmot, 43, of Northwood Crescent, Edwards Lane Estate, asked a friend of a friend to dock the tails after her dog Missy gave birth to puppies in August.

Yesterday, magistrates at Nottingham Magistrates' Court ordered her to pay a fine of £500 and gave her a six week suspended prison sentence.

The court heard the puppies would have suffered "horrendous" pain and Wilmot had left the house before the docking to avoid hearing the screams.

Prosecuting on the behalf of the RSPCA Tim Shock said: "He used scissors and boiling water. I liken it to a back-street abortionist coming around and doing this. The pain must have been horrendous."

The following day Wilmott realised the animals were suffering and took them to the PDSA, who alerted the RSPCA.

Four of the puppies died from shock and infection to their wounds, while four have since been re-homed.

Defence lawyer Emma Hill told the court Wilmot had not realised docking tails was illegal or how it would be done.

She said: "Miss Wilmot wrongly, ignorantly and naively believed that the puppies would have to have their tails docked.

"She did not know this person would act so cruelly."

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 it became illegal to dock the tails of any animals except certain working breeds.

Miss Hill said Wilmot had not asked how the procedure would be carried out but had been told the person had done it before.

She added Wilmot regretted causing suffering to the animals and had looked after Missy well for more than two years.

The court heard Wilmot had refused to name the person who docked the tails as she feared her own life and her son's life would be in danger.

Wilmott admitted two charges in connection with the tail docking and one of causing suffering.

Magistrates said they had reduced her sentence, suspended for two years, from nine weeks to six as she pleaded guilty.

Magistrates had considered removing Missy from Wilmot's care but said they believed it was in the dog's best interest to stay as she was well cared for.