BOLTON WOMAN BANNED FROM OWNING GUINEA PIGS AND RABBITS AFTER APPALLING CONDITIONS
A woman who kept guinea pigs and rabbits in cages "overflowing with faeces" has been banned from owning pets.Lauren Boardman, aged 25, of Matchmoor Lane, Horwich, kept 74 rabbits and guinea pigs as well as two French bulldogs.
She housed the guinea pigs and rabbits in a barn on her street, with cages "overflowing with faeces" and water bottles "coated with thick black mould." Manchester Magistrates' Court heard on November 27 how the dogs suffered from skin disease and infection.
The RSPCA was called by Greater Manchester Police to the property on Church Street, where Boardman agreed to improve animal conditions and said she would relocate her animals to her second property on Matchmoor Lane.
During a follow-up visit, the RSPCA Inspector Rachel Whalley, who led the investigation, discovered the large number of rabbits and guinea pigs, which were removed that day.
All 74 animals were kept in overcrowded, dirty conditions, preventing normal behavior.
Some animals suffered from untreated health issues, including a guinea pig with a spinal issue and fractured leg, a rabbit with skin disease and an abscess, and three with sore eyes.
The inspector described the conditions as "crammed with cages and hutches full of rabbits and guinea pigs, overflowing with faeces and old bedding, with water bottles coated in mould." Despite the poor conditions, several animals died or had to be euthanized due to health problems.
Meanwhile, the dogs were found suffering from health issues when inspected again in March 2024.
Boardman pleaded guilty to eight offences—seven related to the 74 rabbits and guinea pigs, and one for causing unnecessary suffering to the French Bulldogs.
She was disqualified from owning rabbits and guinea pigs for seven years, a period she cannot appeal.
She received a 12-month Community Order requiring five rehabilitation days, and was ordered to pay £400 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
After sentencing, Inspector Whalley expressed relief at rescuing the animals and emphasized the importance of proper care for pets.
