MAN BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS FOR FIVE YEARS
A man has received a ban from keeping animals after RSPCA inspectors discovered a total of 37 animals within his residence.Alan Packenham admitted guilt to charges of animal cruelty following the discovery of various pets, including three critically-ill kittens and four deceased snakes, at his property in Thornton, Sefton.
The RSPCA reported that these animals were found living in appalling, unclean conditions, with the snakes left to decay in a bedroom area.
The 39-year-old, residing in Lower Hey, was sentenced to a 16-week jail term, suspended on condition.
During the inspection, authorities uncovered 20 cats, three kittens, four dogs, three ferrets, two fish, and the five snakes, all in a state of neglect, with debris and feces visible on nearly every surface of the house.
Two adult cats were discovered in the bathroom, while three kittens were found inside an open drawer, both groups suffering from flea infestations.
All affected animals were transported to veterinary clinics; sadly, two of the kittens died shortly after arrival, with another succumbing later.
Additional animals included two of three German Shepherds and a crossbreed dog, both muzzled, and ferrets kept in a dirty rabbit hutch located in a conservatory.
The animals were relocated to appropriate facilities: cats and dogs to an RSPCA centre and approved kennels, ferrets and a corn snake to specialised rescue organizations.
As part of his punishment, Packenham is barred from keeping any animals for five years.
He pleaded guilty in Liverpool Magistrates Court to four counts of causing unnecessary suffering and one count of neglecting to meet the animals' basic needs.
Veterinary assessments indicated that caring for such a vast number of animals would require a team of two full-time workers assisted by volunteers, with the report highlighting that the cruelty appeared to have lasted for an extended period, possibly years.
