05 September 2019

Man sent to prison after animals found in 'terrible' conditions

An Ipswich man has been sent to prison for 16 weeks after a large number of dogs, poultry and a young pony were found in 'terrible' conditions at his home.

The man, of West Meadows, Ipswich, appeared before Ipswich Magistrates' Court on Monday 2nd September for sentencing.

He had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing on 5th August to seven offences under the Animal Welfare Act, including four offences of causing unnecessary suffering to a filly and seven dogs, and three offences of failing to meet the welfare needs of 17 dogs, 23 poultry and the filly.

The young pony, now named Fig, has been receiving veterinary treatment at Redwings and has been pledged a safe, forever home at the Sanctuary.

The former owner was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison and banned for an indefinite period from keeping all animals - with a condition of not being able to apply for the disqualification to be removed for five years. He was also ordered to pay costs of £874 and a victim surcharge of £115.

The RSPCA was called to the property in April this year following reports of an underweight whippet, but when Inspector Jason Finch arrived he also saw another dog with fur loss and two dogs in a room covered in old and fresh faeces.

The owner arrived and Inspector Finch was shown around the rest of the location where he was concerned and alarmed for a number of the animals he saw. He then contacted the police, a vet and other RSPCA officers for assistance.

All the animals taken from the property were signed over by the defendant and all have made a good recovery with many already in loving new homes.

Following the case, Inspector Finch said: "It was extremely disturbing to see so many animals living in such terrible conditions.

“As we proceeded round the property more and more dogs were found in runs that were too small. All were filthy with faeces, and had little or no water. Some of the dogs, particularly those with long coats, were also filthy with faeces, some dogs had fur loss, and live fleas could be seen on many of the dogs. Two dogs which were extremely thin, nervous and covered in faeces frantically drank a bowl dry when they were given fresh water at the vets.

“There were other dogs which were not in cages which were running loose on the property and they were in normal bodily condition.

“We and other organisations have tried to work with this defendant in the past in a bid to help him improve the welfare of all his animals. But despite the help and advice he has been given in the past, he failed to do what was right for these animals which led them to suffer.”

In mitigation the defendant said he had been dealing with personal issues.

Julie Harding, Redwings’ Senior Field Officer, added: “We were hugely shocked and appalled to discover the unnecessary suffering of the little black filly, as we have previously worked with the owner in a bid to help him improve the welfare of his horses.

“Redwings has cared for the young pony since her rescue in April. When she arrived at the Sanctuary, she was so weak and underweight that she couldn’t stand up without our help. Luckily, thanks to the dedication of our vets and care team, she is slowly recovering and she is guaranteed a safe home in Redwings’ care for the rest of her life.”