West Midlands woman handed 15-year animal ban after letting dogs and cat starve
A woman whose pets were found starving in a rubbish-filled property has been banned from keeping animals for 15 years.
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Whitney Williams, of Stud Lane, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to four animal welfare offences following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.
The animal welfare charity began an investigation after four dogs and a cat were found living in an unsanitary environment with large amounts of faeces and no food or water were seized by police.
The cat and dogs - including a mum and her young pup - were all underweight with their bones visible through their fur, the RSPCA said.
Williams, aged 32, had also failed to provide vet care or treatment over a prolonged period of time for one of her dogs who had chronic hip and problems with one of his hind legs, which he could not use at all.
Vets were however unable to save the pooch and he had to be put to sleep because of the severity of his condition.
In their report, the vet who examined the dogs and cat said: “In my professional opinion on a veterinary basis, the owner of these five animals failed to meet the animals’ basic needs, specifically the failure to provide an adequate environment, reasonably clean, free of hazards, with comfortable bedding and a separate toilet area. Photographic evidence shows this clearly.
“None of these animals were provided with an adequate diet, either in quality or quantity, as evidenced by their poor body condition score."
Alongside the 15-year disqualification from keeping animals, which Williams cannot appeal for five years, she was ordered to pay £164.
Williams was further subject to an Intensive Supervision Court order for 18 months with requirements of 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and a six month alcohol treatment order.
In mitigation, it was reportedly said she is remorseful and now accepts full responsibility.
RSPCA Inspector Vicki Taylor, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “Our pets are completely reliant on us for their care. Leaving animals without food, water or much-needed veterinary treatment compromises their health and welfare.
“If any pet owner is struggling to care for their animal we would encourage them to reach out to a local charity or organisation who can help.”
The surviving dogs and cat were all signed over into the care of the RSPCA and have now been rehoused.
