Woman banned from keeping animals for 10 years after dozens of cases of cruelty were found
In the United Kingdom, 70-year-old Anik Sexton from West Parley, Dorset County, was banned from keeping any animals for 10 years after animals under her care were found sick and neglected in unsuitable conditions, reports BBC.
The woman was found guilty of five counts of causing unnecessary suffering to chickens and cats due to improper care following a prosecution initiated by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).
The charity first visited her home in 2020 after reports of possible violations. RSPCA representatives said they tried to persuade Sexton to improve the animals' living conditions, but after a year saw no changes.
The court fined the woman £8,000, ordered her to pay £71,720.28 in court costs, and prohibited her from appealing the ban on keeping animals for six years.
During a follow-up visit to her residence in September 2021, inspectors found numerous instances of animal cruelty. In particular, cats were kept in cramped cages, and chickens suffered from multiple diseases.
Thirteen chickens were found to have pododermatitis ("bumblefoot") — a painful bacterial infection on the soles of their feet — as well as respiratory diseases, mite infestations, and other preventable illnesses.
According to the RSPCA, the causes of these diseases were poor living conditions, lack of bedding, and failure to provide necessary treatment.
Two cats were also found in cages without access to food or clean water. Both animals were emaciated and suffered from severe dental diseases.
Separately, inspectors found a kitten with a broken spine, complete paralysis of the hind legs, and infected wounds on its rear paws.
The veterinarian concluded that the animal was experiencing severe continuous pain, after which the kitten was euthanized.
After the verdict was delivered on June 1 at Bournemouth Crown Court, RSPCA inspector Patrick Bailey said this was a large-scale investigation involving a significant number of animals.
"Before the trial began, my colleagues and I repeatedly visited Mrs. Sexton and spent a lot of time trying to educate and persuade her to improve the animals' living conditions," he said.
According to the inspector, it was painful to see so many animals in small, dirty, and unsuitable living spaces.
"We talked for a long time, offered help, practical advice, and recommendations, issued notices to eliminate violations and warnings requiring changes. However, we did not see any significant improvement in the animals' welfare, so we had to take action," Bailey added.
Subscribe to our Telegram channel t.me/sudua and to Google News SUD.UA, as well as to our VIBER and WhatsApp pages, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on the most important events.
