CONVICTED (2017) | hoarder Valerie Seddon, born 6 March 1953, previously of James Street, Atherton, Wigan but now believed to be in Alicante, Spain – lived in squalor with 80 guinea pigs and two dogs
Valerie Seddon was banned from keeping animals after the RSPCA found dozens of guinea pigs and two dogs in her squalid one-bedroom flat.
Inspectors attended with a vet following a tip-off but, after Seddon refused them entry, obtained a warrant.
Inside the cramped property the inspectors found guinea pigs in boxes on shelves in the lounge and in a shed outside. The dogs, Shih Tzu Molly and terrier Lipliner, were confined to a small metal crates in a hallway cupboard for up to seven hours a day.
All the animals lived in ‘filthy’ conditions without regular food and many of the guinea pigs went without water.
Seddon admitted to an RSPCA inspector that she didn’t actually know how many guinea pigs she had.
Seddon pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of the guinea pigs by failing to provide a suitable environment.
She denied a similar charge relating to the dogs, but was found guilty after a trial.
Seddon appealed against her sentence, but it was upheld by a judge and she was ordered to pay more costs.
The RSPCA said Seddon was an experienced breeder and shower of guinea pigs but had ‘allowed conditions to get out of control’.
Inspector Vicki McDonald said: “One of the dog crates had faeces piled up at the back, some of it so old it had turned white.
“The guinea pigs were housed in baskets, in boxes and on furniture shelves and most were living among deep compacted faeces in cramped and at times over-crowded conditions.”
Inspector McDonald added: “I was shocked by the numbers and conditions that greeted me after gaining entry to Seddon’s small flat.
“She had allowed conditions to get out of control and did not seek help when she claims her health became an issue.
“I hope this case draws attention to an issue we sometimes face in regards to numbers getting out of control and the importance of ensuring you are able to cope with any animals in your care. If a situation becomes unmanageable, people must seek help.”
All the animals were signed over to the RSPCA and rehomed.
Sentencing: six-month community order; £750 costs and fines. Banned from keeping animals for 10 years (expires January 2027).
This Is A Mental Health Condition.