HEATHER STANTON OF WASHFORD SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT IN 2019

Heather Stanton, born around 1958 and residing at Barn End, Williton Road, Washford TA23 0NU, was convicted in 2019 for severe animal neglect. She left multiple animals in unsanitary conditions, with many suffering from untreated health issues.

Stanton was found guilty of mistreating 11 dogs, which included a sheepdog, a Jack Russell Terrier, Chinese Crested-type dogs, and Pomeranian-type dogs. These animals had numerous health problems, such as eye and skin infections, which were left untreated.

Additionally, Stanton was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a white lionhead rabbit by confining it in a manner that compromised its wellbeing. Stanton had pleaded not guilty to this charge.

She also denied causing suffering to a domestic cat but was ultimately found guilty. Furthermore, she admitted to mistreating a tortoise and six birds under her care.

RSPCA inspector Jo Daniel commented on the case: “This was an upsetting case of extreme neglect for which there can be no excuse. Stanton had more animals than she could cope with and was unable to care for them adequately; as a result, many of the animals were suffering. All owners are responsible for meeting the needs of the animals in their care, and we now look forward to finding these animals the loving homes they deserve.”

In terms of sentencing, Stanton was fined £5,000 plus £85 in costs. She received a community order requiring 80 hours of unpaid work and was disqualified from owning dogs, cats, birds, and tortoises for five years, a disqualification that expired in January 2024.

Her appeal against the five-year disqualification order was rejected in April 2019, as reported by Somerset County Gazette and SomersetLive.