COUPLE BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS AFTER 'STARVING' DOGS AND CATS FOUND
A couple has received a prison sentence along with a lifetime ban on owning animals after failing to properly care for dogs and cats under their responsibility.Michelle Bailey, aged 30, and David Chapman, aged 33, were disqualified from keeping animals for life after authorities discovered animals that were clearly underweight at their residence in Ramsey.
The RSPCA responded to the property when police encountered three cats and three dogs during an unrelated investigation.
All the dogs were visibly underweight, with ribs protruding, and the cats also appeared to be malnourished.
An RSPCA officer reviewed video footage taken inside the home, showing animal faeces scattered throughout the premises.
The property was also found to be extremely cluttered, with belongings covering the floors.
The animals were taken to a veterinarian for initial assessments and subsequently moved to private boarding facilities.
A second vet evaluated the animals and reported no signs of underlying medical conditions that could explain their poor health.
The vet concluded that starvation was the cause, having observed that all six animals had been suffering for at least two weeks.
The veterinarian described the animals’ condition, noting that the three dogs were very thin, likely experiencing extreme hunger, weakness, nausea, and pain.
Given their appearance, it would have been expected for an owner to notice the problem and seek veterinary help or adjust their feeding practices, which did not occur.
The vet also reported that two of the cats had been afflicted by a flea infestation and secondary skin infections for at least two weeks.
The third cat displayed significant fur loss and skin scabs, which should have prompted owners to seek veterinary attention after observing these symptoms.
Bailey and Chapman each admitted to three charges related to neglecting the welfare of six animals: a female pug-type dog, a male Labrador-type dog, a male Cane Corso-type dog, a female Siamese-type cat, and two kittens one black and white female, and one black and white male.
The offenses involved failure to provide a proper diet, inadequate treatment for flea infestations and skin conditions, and failure to maintain a suitable living environment.
During sentencing, the court acknowledged that both individuals were dealing with mental health issues.
As part of the penalties, the court ordered a lifelong ban on keeping animals.
Chapman was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, with an additional 14 days due to the activation of a suspended sentence, while Bailey was sentenced to 16 weeks.
Both were also required to pay a £154 victim surcharge.
