A couple from North Yorkshire who neglected three cats and two dogs have been banned from keeping animals for life.
James McWilliams, 46 and Vicki McWilliams, 42, were sentenced at York Magistrates’ Court following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.
They had both pleaded guilty to five offences contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The court was told the case involved the McWilliams’ prolonged neglect of five animals arising from a sustained failure to meet their basic welfare needs, which a vet said had occurred over a minimum period of three weeks.
Police contacted the RSPCA for assistance after going to the couple’s home in Park Lane, Middleham on 8 June last year.
The property was described by officers as unhygienic and unfit for habitation, with extensive faecal contamination, urine-soaked surfaces, lack of bedding and inadequate food supplies.
RSPCA Inspector Clare Wilson went to the property. She told the court: “I saw that the property was messy and dirty with clothes and other possessions all over the floors and animal faeces and urine throughout.
“The kitchen floor had poo smeared all over it and I saw a small white Bichon Frise dog shut in a medium-sized crate in the living room.
“Cloud was extremely matted and the bottom half of her body and fur was stained yellow and brown with urine. Her tail was completely sodden and she had a thick layer of matted fur all over her body.
“She was jumping up and down at the sides of the crate and whining for attention. There was no bedding in the crate and two empty bowls and some rubbish.”
A grey British Shorthair kitten called Bluebell was discovered hiding in a wardrobe in the back bedroom. She was extremely nervous and had thinning fur on her rear end and scabby skin.
After searching the property the inspector also found Lavender, sister to Bluebell, who was under a bed in the front bedroom.
The animals were taken into police possession and passed back into the care of the RSPCA so they could be taken to a vet and for enquiries to continue.
Cloud, who was about 13 months old, appeared to be very thirsty and drank a bowl of rainwater in the front garden as she was being taken to the RSPCA officer’s van. In her written evidence the vet who examined her said: “In my professional opinion, the dog was suffering at the time of presentation due to prolonged neglect.
“The urine soaked matted coat, flea infestation, likely worm burden and low body condition all point to a failure to provide adequate care over a period of time.”
Bluebell and Lavender, who were approximately four months old, had thinning fur and scabbing, consistent with flea bites.
In her interview with the RSPCA Vicki McWilliams said Cloud was confined to her crate for six to eight hours a day if she was inside and admitted the dog was suffering.
James McWilliams said the house was unkempt because he had “let his head go.”
The court heard another dog, a Cane Corso called Riot and a three-legged female Maine Coon cat called Winter had been removed from the house by a relative. The vet who examined Winter said she had suffered from “prolonged neglect.”
In mitigation the couple, who represented themselves, said that while most of the facts of the case were true, they had looked after and rescued animals for many years and had never had a problem in the past.
James McWilliams said he had worked with animals, including racehorses, for about four decades, but accepted they had “messed up” in relation to the care of their pets.
York magistrates issued the disqualification at a hearing last Tuesday. In addition, James McWilliams was fined £656 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £256 and costs of £200. Vicki McWilliams was fined £268 and told to pay a victim surcharge of £108 and £200 costs.
Speaking after sentencing Inspector Wilson said: “The lifetime ban imposed by the court reflects the seriousness of this case and the prolonged neglect these animals were subjected to.”
Bluebell, Lavender and Cloud were looked after at the RSPCA’s Great Ayton Animal Centre and have since been adopted. The two young cats went to a new home together.
Winter was returned to her original owner after she was nursed back to full health by the RSPCA.
