IAN STRINGER AND KATARZYNA ZAKOLSKA-STRINGER FROM SHORTSTOWN FACE FIVE-YEAR ANIMAL BAN AFTER HORRIFIC RABBIT CRUELTY CASE NEAR BEDFORD

A distressing case of animal neglect has come to light in Shortstown, where a local couple has been found guilty of severe animal welfare violations involving a large number of rabbits kept in deplorable conditions. The incident was uncovered after an observant pet sitter, concerned about the welfare of the animals, contacted the RSPCA while the couple was away on holiday.

On December 30, 2023, RSPCA officers responded to a call at the residence of Ian Stringer, aged 69, and Katarzyna Zakolska-Stringer, aged 36, who reside on Tempest Crescent near Bedford. Upon arrival, inspectors discovered an appalling scene: 115 rabbits confined within 31 cages that occupied the entire first floor of the house. The conditions were so dire that the smell of ammonia was overpowering, causing inspector Rebecca Benson’s eyes to sting as she entered the premises.

Most of the cages were filthy, lacking basic necessities such as food, hay, and bedding. Many of the rabbits were severely overcrowded, with some unable to stand or move freely, indicating a clear failure to meet their basic needs. One cage contained a deceased rabbit, soaked in urine and missing an eye, which was taken to a veterinarian by a pet sitter who had left the couple’s holiday early. The scene was described as heartbreaking by Inspector Benson, who noted that some cages were no larger than those used for hamsters, whereas proper standards recommend a minimum of three meters by two meters and one meter high for a pair of rabbits.

Following the discovery, the RSPCA took immediate action, with more than 20 rabbits being permanently surrendered to the charity. Many of these animals have since been rehomed, while others remain in the care of the RSPCA, awaiting adoption. The investigation revealed that the couple claimed ignorance of the conditions while they were away, blaming the pet sitters for the neglect. However, a veterinarian who examined the rabbits confirmed that none of the cages met the minimum welfare standards, citing poor ventilation, lack of natural light, and uncleanliness as factors that would have caused prolonged suffering.

Ian Stringer and Katarzyna Zakolska-Stringer appeared at Luton Crown Court on Thursday, March 21, 2025, where they admitted to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The court sentenced them to 12 months of community orders, requiring each to complete 140 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, they were ordered to pay £1,500 in legal costs and were banned from keeping any animals for a period of five years.

Inspector Benson emphasized the importance of understanding the needs of rabbits before taking responsibility for them, highlighting this case as an example of how breeding can spiral out of control if not properly managed. The RSPCA continues to advocate for responsible pet ownership and encourages the public to support its work through donations and rehoming initiatives, which are detailed on their official website.