Harlow man banned from owning animals indefinitely after keeping a dog and cat in a dirty property
The house contained rubbish, rotting food, and flies
A man from Harlow has been disqualified from owning animals indefinitely after failing to provide his dog and cat with a suitable living environment.
Brian Weston, 61, of Northbrooks, Passmores, pleaded guilty to one offence at Barkingside Magistrates Court on 21 April, in a case brought by the RSPCA.
Weston admitted failing to meet the needs of a Collie crossbreed dog called Bella and a cat named Junior, due to the state of their living environment.
He was disqualified from keeping all animals for life, which he cannot contest for five years.
Weston was also fined £200 and ordered to pay costs of £500 and an £80 victim surcharge.
Rescuers from the RSPCA first went to the property in October last year, after they received reports concerned for the welfare of the animals.
They got no response at the door and they saw rubbish inside through the kitchen window.
After they entered the property after that visit, RSPCA Inspector Jen Wildman said:
“There were lots of items covering the floor surfaces which we had to step over. There were boxes stacked high in the living room and visible dirt on surfaces. The rooms upstairs had broken furniture and large amounts of items which posed a hazard to the dog and the cat. No food or water was seen.
“Junior the cat ate two sachets of food immediately and drank a large amount of water. Bella the dog appeared fearful of us. She ran away and sat on the back of the sofa, cowering her head away from us. Her eyes were wide and she was shaking. Once outside of the flat, she appeared more comfortable but became startled by the wind and the sight of our van.”
Both animals have been found a place in RSPCA boarding kennels.
After sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Jen Wildman said: “This was a really sad case where two beautiful animals were kept in completely unacceptable conditions. It’s not enough just to provide our animals with food - they need a suitable home to live in and this just wasn’t the case. Living amongst rubbish and in such unsanitary conditions posed health risks to Bella and Junior. I’m glad to say that since being rescued, the dogs have thrived under the care of our amazing teams, and we can soon look forward to finding them a loving new home.”