A SWINDON court has ordered that a Westbury woman who ill-treated a pet bearded dragon should be arrested.

Sophia Morton, 23, of Sandalwood Road, is charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, a female bearded dragon called Ellie/Harper.

She was charged that on or before August 13 she failed to provide a suitable living environment and a suitable diet, which contributed to its metabolic bone disease.

She failed to attend the Swindon court on Tuesday, March 3 and the case was proved in her absence.

Magistrates issued an arrest warrant without bail.