CONVICTION OF IAN STRINGER AND KATARZYNA ZAKOLSKA-STRINGER IN BEDFORD FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT

Ian Stringer, born circa 1955, and Katarzyna Zakolska-Stringer, born 27 October 1988, both of 2 Tempest Crescent, Shortstown, Bedford MK42 0FX, have been convicted in 2025 of extreme animal hoarding. The married couple, a Polish national and her husband, kept a total of 115 rabbits living in overcrowded and filthy conditions.

The case emerged after a pet sitter contacted the RSPCA during the couple’s holiday, raising concerns about the animals’ welfare. RSPCA officers responded on 30 December 2023 and discovered the rabbits confined in 31 cages spread across the house's first floor.

Inspector Rebecca Benson described the scene, stating, "The stench of ammonia was so strong that it made my eyes sting. Most cages were filthy, with no food, no hay, and no bedding."

Many animals were found in severely overcrowded cages, unable to stand or move freely. One container held a dead rabbit, and initial reports mentioned three rabbits had died. Inspector Benson elaborated, "The majority of cages housed multiple rabbits. Several were underweight, some couldn’t stand on their hind legs or take more than a hop. It was a heartbreaking scene."

Some cages were as small as those used for hamsters. According to the RSPCA, a pair of rabbits should have a minimum space of three meters by two meters and at least one meter in height.

Prior to the inspection, another pet sitter had left the couple’s holiday early, citing the situation as far worse than expected. She later removed a deceased rabbit, soaked in urine and missing an eye, to veterinary care.

The couple denied knowledge of the conditions, blaming the pet sitters, but a vet attending the scene confirmed that none of the cages met minimum welfare standards. The vet noted that poor ventilation, lack of daylight, and uncleanliness would have caused ongoing suffering.

More than 20 rabbits have been permanently surrendered to the RSPCA, with many already adopted by new families. Others remain in care, waiting for adoption.

Inspector Benson commented, "The couple claimed they started with a few rescue rabbits and that their breeding got out of control. This case highlights the importance of understanding rabbit needs before taking them on."

Regarding sentencing, the couple received 12-month community orders, each with 140 hours of unpaid work, and were ordered to pay £1,500 in costs. They are also disqualified from keeping animals for five years, with the ban expiring in April 2030.