EDWIN HARRIS, ROMFORD OFFENDER, REMOVED FROM THE ANIMAL KINGDOM AGAIN

Persistent hoarder Edwin Harris, born around 1939 and residing on Murthering Lane, Stapleford Abbotts, Romford RM4, was again found to be violating animal restrictions after keeping a large number of animals in deplorable conditions.

Harris, who had previously been disqualified for life from keeping animals, continued to acquire new animals despite the ban. He admitted to breaching this order when he was caught keeping a significant number of animals in extremely poor conditions.

Additionally, Harris acknowledged failing to provide proper living spaces for his animals and causing unnecessary suffering to Bella, a Shar Pei-type dog, by neglecting her ear and skin issues without proper investigation or care.

In May 2018, the RSPCA, accompanied by the police, visited Harris’s address and discovered a disturbing scene. They found numerous animals suffering in filthy environments.

Among the animals rescued was a Jack Russell who had endured a life of neglect at Harris’s hands. Dogs were found confined in small cages covered in mess and feces, with little or no access to water. Disturbingly, one dog was discovered locked inside a cupboard, which had been converted into a makeshift cage.

Six pigs were housed in a cramped outbuilding, with barely enough space to turn around or exercise. The cockerels, a pigeon, and a rook were also kept in small cages similarly covered in feces.

RSPCA Inspector Adam Jones described the scene: “The conditions were appalling. Most of the small animals and dogs were kept in cages and had probably never experienced any other environment. They were clearly unsocialized and frightened. The cages hadn’t been cleaned, and the animals were surrounded by their own feces and dirt. If they had access to water, it was usually filthy. I was horrified to find a small Jack Russell confined in a cupboard converted into a cage.

“By his own admission, the defendant claimed he had a compulsion to keep animals because he loved them and couldn’t stop taking them in. If we hadn’t intervened, the numbers would likely have only increased — one pig we removed later gave birth to piglets.

“I hope that with the court’s sentencing, Harris will learn a lesson and realize he is unable to properly care for animals.”

Although Harris exceeded custody thresholds, the court considered his age, vulnerability, and his lack of prior prison sentences, opting for a degree of rehabilitation.

In 2014, Harris was already disqualified from keeping animals for life following an earlier prosecution by the RSPCA.

The sentencing included a two-year community order, during which Harris must complete 135 hours of unpaid work and 60 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirements. He was also ordered to pay costs of £1,300 and a victim surcharge of £85. He received a lifetime ban on keeping animals.