PAIGNTON COUPLE JAILED FOR NEGLECTING DOZENS OF ANIMALS IN SQUALID CONDITIONS
On 14 November 2024, RSPCA Inspector Beccy Wadey was called to the Paignton home of Leonie Ball and Carsten Walker by a housing officer with concerns about animal welfare.Inside, she found a large number of animals, including cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies, many of whom were very underweight and in unsuitable conditions.
She described the room housing dogs as being very dark, with two crates covered by blankets so the dogs couldn’t see out.
She observed a husky with her puppy, an Akita, and several other dogs, all in poor health and with no water available.
She also found a lethargic and sick-looking kitten, underweight with fleas, and a total of 15 cats, all entire males and females.
The five underweight dogs, one cat, and eight kittens were seized and transported to a vet, where they recovered after proper care.
Walker and Ball pleaded guilty to four animal welfare offences.
They claimed financial difficulties and homelessness contributed to neglecting the animals.
Their other pets, including two Akitas, three cats, a bearded dragon, and two budgies, were signed over to the RSPCA.
In sentencing, they received a 12-month community order with 15 days of rehab, a £40 fine, a £114 victim surcharge, and £400 in costs.
They are also disqualified from keeping animals for five years but can appeal after three years, with the disqualification expiring in December 2030.
