19 Starving Dogs Found

[Kaos]

A NELSON woman kept 19 dogs and six birds at her terraced home in what a court has heard descibed as an "appalling" case of animal cruelty.Reedley magistrates heard a vet struggled to identify the room Alexandra Stansfield called her kitchen due to the filth and squalor.

 

The 43-year-old was banned from owning, keeping or being involved with animals for 10 years after admitting seven charges of animal cruelty. She was banned from keeping or being involved with all animals, including birds, which means anyone she lives with cannot keep animals either. She was also placed under a two-month night-time curfew and ordered to pay £250 costs.

 

Mr Chris White (prosecuting) said vet Mr Patrick Moore inspected the animals at the Smith Street address with RSPCA officers last November and initially found 15 black and tan inbred cross-breed dogs, severely underweight, reluctant to be handled (two aggressive dogs had to be put down) and some with skin conditions. Three were adults and 12 puppies.

 

In a statement, he said: "I was hit by the smell of ammonia and my eyes were stinging from the smell. There was no natural light or evidence of food, the floor was wet and the kitchen units were smeared in mud and faeces."

 

All 15 dogs were signed over to the RSPCA before Stansfield produced another four - also underweight and in a poor condition - she initially wished to keep.

 

Six tropical birds were also examined. Although their cages were filthy, no action was taken at that stage as Mr Moore did not believe they were suffering but Stansfield was later given two warnings about their condition and ordered to take action. On December 5th, the birds were removed from the house by the RSPCA and put into care.

 

A bird specialist reported that one bird had a severe bacterial infection in two open sores on its back and another had "bumble foot", a painful condition caused by standing in an unclean cage.

 

When interviewed, Stansfield, who receives £88 a week in benefits, said she fed her animals twice a day and spent £40 a week on food. The animals hadn't been de-wormed due to cost and she did not believe it necessary.

 

She also said she cleaned the house with disinfectant and cleaned the bird cages daily.

 

The court heard the RSPCA had spent more than £12,000 on the welfare of the animals, having "stopped counting" the true cost weeks ago.

 

Mr John Nuttall (defending) said this was a case that had spiralled out of control, rather than of deliberate cruelty.

 

Stansfield was "very sorry" for the distress caused but had not thought about getting the dogs neutered because of the cost. She had called the RSPCA for help and was told there was a long waiting list.

 

He also said she lived with her "controlling" elderly mother and an adult son who had "difficulties", and would have done more but her mother would not allow it.

 

The 17 rescued dogs have all been re-housed with new owners. Two of the six birds died of their illnesses and the others are in RSPCA care.

 

Speaking after the case, RSPCA Insp. Katherine Hamblin said the case was the worst she had seen in her two years with the charity. "The conditions at the house were appalling and it was quite distressing for me and my colleagues," she said.

 

"This was a case of long-term neglect so we are pleased with a lengthy ban."

 

She also had advice for pet owners in similar situations. "Please neuter your animals if you keep male and female animals together," she said. "She did ask for help and I would encourage anyone to contact the RSPCA if they are struggling, but understanding we do have long waiting lists."

 

 

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I suppose at the end of the 10 years, they will just be free to 'obtain' other aminals?

Shame no-one monitors the ban and ensures some kind of education into animal welfare is received during that time.

 

 

[Yantan]

Absolutley appalling Surely this points to some sort of mental health problem as she herself was living amongst those conditions

 

I do hope the remaining animals make a recovery and are found decent homes.

[Kathyw]

Surely the rspca check during her ban to make sure she doesn't get more animals?

She must be sick to live in those conditions herself as Marion says. Those poor, poor babies.

[Helly]

poor dogs. i do hope the woman too can be helped as she obviously wasnt right in the first place