An RSPCA investigator described a 'strong stench of death' at a home in Ferryhill, County Durham, where six dogs and three rabbits were found dead. The charity rescued 29 other animals from another property as part of the same investigation.
Investigator's account
RSPCA inspector Clare Wilson first attended the property on September 16 last year. She said: "I went inside with the police officers, the house was extremely messy and dirty. There was a strong smell of death and faeces and flies were buzzing around everywhere."
She found six dead dogs, one loose behind the kitchen door and the rest in crates in the upstairs front bedroom. Three dead rabbits were in indoor plastic hutches in the same bedroom and the kitchen.
Conditions inside
Inspector Wilson said: "I didn't see any food or water in any of the enclosures, some had empty, dry and upturned bowls. The water bottles attached to the rabbit hutches were also empty and dry."
She described faeces all over the floor in the living area and spilling out of the crates, with thick layers in the rabbit enclosures. The dead rabbit was lying on a thick mouldy layer of droppings. Rubbish and empty food tins and bags were on surfaces, floors, and the bed, and the toilet water was low and dirty.
Court outcome
Nathan and Jade Race pleaded guilty to several offences under the Animal Welfare Act. They were given lifetime bans from keeping all animals and handed suspended prison sentences at a hearing at the end of July.
The living animals were signed over to the RSPCA and have now been rehomed or taken to specialist centres. After the sentence, Inspector Wilson said: "This was an extremely shocking and sad case to investigate and I am so relieved that the owners of these animals can never legally own another one again."
She urged anyone thinking of taking on large numbers of animals to consider the care requirements and long-term financial commitments, adding that guidance is available on the RSPCA website and in DEFRA Codes of Practice. "Thankfully the animals removed from this couple have gone on to find their forever homes now," she said.
