An RSPCA officer has described the 'strong smell of death' at a house in County Durham where six dogs and three rabbits were found dead. The property in Ferryhill was the scene of a shocking case of neglect that led to lifetime bans for the owners.
Investigation and Discovery
RSPCA inspector Clare Wilson visited Ford Terrace in Chilton, Ferryhill, on September 16 last year after the charity received a call about dead animals in cages. She found thousands of flies covering an upstairs window and a deceased dog lying in the living room behind the kitchen door.
Five of the six dogs had perished in filthy crates, with a sixth having chewed her way out before dying. Three dead rabbits were also found in indoor plastic hutches. In a connected property, 29 live animals including dogs, ferrets, birds, snakes, and other reptiles were rescued.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Nathan and Jade Race pleaded guilty to several offences under the Animal Welfare Act. At Durham Crown Court on Friday, July 31, they were given lifetime bans from keeping all animals and received suspended prison sentences.
Inspector Wilson's written statement, read out in court, detailed the conditions: 'The house was extremely messy and dirty. There was a strong smell of death and faeces and flies were buzzing around everywhere.' She noted no food or water in any enclosures, with empty, dry, and upturned bowls, and thick layers of faeces in the rabbit enclosures.
Veterinary Assessment and Aftermath
The surviving animals were taken to a local veterinary practice, where the vet wrote that none had 'their needs met to the extent required' and that the deceased pets 'suffered unnecessarily' due to lack of food and water. The vet stated: 'Nine animals died in a fairly short space of time. No action was taken to minimise their suffering and to prevent their death. It is clear that the cause of death was neglect.'
Nathan Race, of Poplar Terrace, West Cornforth, was ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehab activity. Jade Race, of Coronation Terrace, was made to do 40 days of rehab activity. The animals involved have been rehomed, with some going to specialist facilities.
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 taking on large numbers of animals to consider the care requirements and financial commitments, adding that guidance is available on the RSPCA website and in DEFRA Codes of Practice.
