CONVICTED (2024) | Shannon Marz aka Shannon Marz-Coggins, born December 1965, of Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2EE – kept six rabbits and two cats in shocking conditions, with one rabbit found dead.
USA national Marz kept her many pets in poor conditions and failed to treat their ailments.
RSPCA rescuers arrived at her then home in Chelwood, near Bath, on Monday, April 1, 2023, after being made aware of animal welfare concerns.
Of the eight animals found in the property, one was already dead and two were later put to sleep.
One of the cats, called Lord Melbourne, had an untreated infection on his face and blood on the inside of his collar. The cats were found in a bathroom with a urine-stained carpet.
The surviving rabbits – named Rosie, Noah, Jeremiah, Gingerbread, Delilah, and Moses – were suffering from a range of health issues including overgrown nails, chronic eye diseases, respiratory problems, and ear problems.
One of the cages was only 60cm, and some were stacked on top of each other.
There was no access to larger exercise areas or opportunities to dig or forage, and the bedding in the cages was wet with a strong smell of ammonia.
In mitigation, it was said that Marz caged the rabbits for a week because she was moving.
Marz was found guilty of seven animal welfare offences following a trial and was sentenced at North Somerset Magistrates Court on July 30, 2024.
RSPCA Inspector Jo Daniel, who was part of the investigation, said: “All rabbits, including those that live indoors, need a safe and clean environment with suitable enrichment. They need a safe and comfortable place to rest undisturbed.
“Living in a cold, draughty or wet place can cause rabbits to suffer. They also need a place to hide and feel safe. If unable to hide and avoid threats, rabbits may suffer anxiety and stress, which can lead to illness.”
Sentencing | 18-week prison sentence, suspended for one year; £1,500 costs. Banned from keeping pets for ten years (expires August 2034).