WOMAN BANNED AFTER 8 PETS FOUND NEGLECTED
A woman has received a ban from keeping animals after failing to care for her pets.Louise Ann Price, aged 41, did not adequately meet the needs of a Chihuahua, six cats, and a rabbit at her residence on Ffordd Tir Brichiad in Pontrhydyrun, Cwmbran.
She admitted to three charges related to animal welfare and was sentenced at Newport Magistrates’ Court on June 12.
Price was prohibited from owning animals for five years.
Additionally, she was given a 12-week prison sentence suspended for a period, along with a requirement to participate in a 12-day rehabilitation activity and ordered to pay £85 in costs.
The court was told that she failed to provide a suitable environment or proper diet for her pets and did not deal with flea infestations.
She also neglected to seek veterinary treatment for her rabbit, which had overgrown nails and eye discharge.
Sian Burton, an RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer, commented that she visited the property on October 3 last year following concerns raised about the animals' welfare.
Ms Burton said: "On entry to the property it was clear that the flat was filthy.
"There was faeces all over the floor, flies everywhere and household items and rubbish all over the floor and sides." She described how cats and kittens ran towards her and her colleagues as they entered, and they could hear a dog crying in another room.
Ms Burton said: "Behind that door was the bathroom and within it was a small Chihuahua type dog, female and fawn in colour." The dog had access to dry food but no water.
Also in the bathroom was a rabbit in an indoor cage.
Ms Burton said: "The rabbit was unable to stand up on its hind legs and it couldn't hop more than twice across the length of the cage.
"It was unsuitable and usually these types of cages are used as a temporary measure.
"There was dirty substrate in it, lots of faeces, an empty bowl and the rabbit didn't have access to any food or water." Three adult cats, three kittens, the Chihuahua, and the rabbit were taken into police possession and handed into RSPCA care.
All the animals were transferred to the RSPCA’s Merthyr Tydfil veterinary clinic for treatment.
Ms Burton said the rabbit showed symptoms consistent with being kept in a small enclosure and was later euthanised on welfare grounds.
All animals were signed over to the RSPCA.
The cats have since been rehomed and the dog is in foster care.
Emma Smith, chief inspector at the RSPCA, said: "We would urge anyone struggling to seek help."
