MICHAEL CONNOLLY

A couple has been given a sentence after being found guilty of keeping dogs and cats in extremely neglectful and appalling conditions at a farm close to Whitby.

The court heard that the animals, owned by Mandy Allinson and Michael Connolly, were kept in a barn described as dark and filthy.

Allinson, aged 52, and Connolly, aged 56, received a 10-week prison sentence, suspended for a year, and were also banned from keeping cats for a period of seven years.

Their operation involved breeding puppies at Fotherley Farm located in Grosmont, North Yorkshire.

An inspection revealed that the animals were living amidst their own waste, according to court testimony.

The RSPCA inspectors discovered the grim conditions following a tip-off from members of the public, who reported seeing fleas and worms in puppies purchased from the farm.

One notably affected dog, a cocker spaniel named Dexter, was reported to be barely recognizable due to severely matted fur that resembled a large furball.

The dog had to be anaesthetized so that a vet could trim his hair, which resulted in the removal of 1.4 kilograms of fur.

The district judge, Adrian Lower, was told that the poor state of the animals was partly due to their owners’ own health troubles, including diabetes and depression.

All animals apart from the couple’s two pet dogs were removed to find new homes.

Both Allinson and Connolly pleaded guilty to three breaches of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, involving two pet dogs and 18 other dogs plus three cats, all kept in unsuitable living conditions.

The judge emphasized that the animals were placed on bedding made from their own feces, which was entirely inappropriate, reflecting a lack of proper care.

During the court proceedings, it was noted that Connolly had spent more time caring for Allinson, who was noted to be suffering from depression.

At the time of inspection, Connolly reportedly told the RSPCA that he felt overwhelmed and unable to care for the animals any longer.