WOMAN BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS
A Deeside woman has received a two-year ban from owning animals after being found guilty of neglecting a male French bulldog, a kitten, and five hens.Amy Ashbrook, who lives on Sandown Road in Shotton, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, May 19, to face charges related to the poor treatment of her animals.
The case arose after a welfare check, which revealed significant neglect.
Her sentence included a two-year prohibition from keeping animals, alongside a 12-month community order, 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days, a fine of £200, and a victim surcharge of £114.
The RSPCA inspector Mark Roberts highlighted the importance of animal welfare, commenting: "Every animal deserves to be treated with kindness and respect and if you have a pet you are responsible for making sure they are happy and healthy." The investigation followed an RSPCA inspection of her property on August 4, which was prompted by welfare concerns.
During the visit, officers observed that the garden was cluttered with debris, including an overflowing skip.
There was a small chicken coop housing five adult hens in cramped conditions, with limited space and no available food or water, and the floor was heavily soiled.
Inside the residence, inspectors found a kitten named Baguette and a French bulldog named Reggie confined in a cage near the kitchen.
Reggie appeared in poor health, lying on a tea towel on a wire cage base, severely underweight, with open sores and a wound on his back.
He showed no response to the officers.
Both animals were transported to a veterinary clinic for treatment.
The chickens were surrendered to the RSPCA.
The kitten was found to be anemic due to a flea infestation and was given treatment, wormed, and hospitalized.
Reggie was diagnosed as emaciated with untreated wounds and eye discharge, and was hospitalized for observation.
The hens, though very underweight, were alert but later found to have mites at a boarding facility.
Both Reggie and Baguette have now been rehomed after their medical care.
