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TANIA WALKER'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN OAKWOOD REVEALED
Tania Walker, a resident of Meadow View Close in Oakwood, Derby, has been convicted of severe animal cruelty after a disturbing investigation into her care of multiple small animals. Born on May 14, 1964, Walker, who works as a self-employed driving instructor, found herself overwhelmed by her compassion for animals, which ultimately led to neglect and suffering for the creatures she kept.On May 25, 2022, RSPCA officers responded to welfare concerns at Walker’s property in Oakwood. What they discovered was a grim scene: a cluttered, filthy garage that served as a makeshift shelter for her animals. Inside, officers found 16 rabbits and guinea pigs living in deplorable conditions, with many roaming freely amidst a thick layer of soiled hay, feces, and debris. The garage was infested with rats, with droppings visible on various surfaces, including a table and the lids of barrels. The rats' presence was confirmed by the sounds of movement overhead, indicating a significant infestation.
The animals were kept in an environment that was both unsanitary and dangerous. The floor was covered in a mixture of old, soiled bedding and animal waste, with no clean or dry areas provided for the animals to rest or escape the filth. A large, damp hay bale sat in a corner, emitting a strong, unpleasant odor. Outside the garage, bags of dirty bedding were piled high, and a massive pile of carrots—approximately 25 kilograms—was dumped on the floor, atop the feces. These carrots, high in sugar, are meant to be fed in moderation, yet they were carelessly left in a heap, along with around 10 kilograms of rabbit nuggets.
Tragically, the investigation revealed that at least one guinea pig had died after being bitten by a rat, and a dead rabbit was also found at the scene. The dead rabbit was loosely wrapped in a bag, and its injuries were severe: one eye was missing, and there were large, open wounds on its neck and stomach. Inspector Rachel Leafe, who attended the scene, described her findings to the court, stating, “I saw a deceased rabbit by the side of the garage which was wrapped loosely in a bag. The rabbit looked to have died recently. One of its eyes was missing completely from the socket. There was a large gaping hole in the side of the neck and another on the stomach. I was concerned the rabbit had been attacked by another rabbit or rats.”
Further examination of the surviving animals revealed widespread injuries and poor health. Many guinea pigs had bite wounds, sore eyes, fur loss, and signs of skin irritation. Some appeared lame, and several had tears in their ears. The rabbits also showed signs of neglect, with infected ears, sores, and overgrown nails. The vet who examined the animals confirmed that the conditions had been detrimental to their health, with some suffering for over two months due to inadequate care.
During the court proceedings, the veterinarian emphasized that Walker had failed to take necessary precautions to protect her animals from predators such as rats and had housed multiple unneutered same-sex animals together, which contributed to the injuries and suffering. The vet stated, “It is my opinion that the owner had not taken enough precautions to keep these animals safe from predation. In this instance, from rats and housing multiple unneutered same-sex animals together. Due to healed wounds and ripped ears on the vast majority of them, care and management towards these animals have been poor and in my opinion some of these animals would have likely been suffering for in excess of two months.”
In her defense, Walker’s legal representatives acknowledged her long history of caring for animals, including a dog she had brought from abroad, which she still kept. They admitted that her care for the 16 rabbits and guinea pigs had been inadequate, attributing her inability to say no to taking in more animals as a factor in the neglect. The court was told that Walker’s past involved caring for animals over many decades, though her recent actions had fallen far below acceptable standards.
As a result of her conviction, Walker was sentenced to an 18-month community order, ordered to pay £5,000 in costs, and a £95 victim surcharge. Additionally, she was banned from keeping all animals except dogs for a period of ten years, a ban that will expire in April 2033. The surviving animals were removed from her care and transferred to RSPCA centers in Derby and Burton, where they will be rehabilitated and rehomed to suitable new owners.