CONVICTED (2019) | Maria Jean Warren, born 15 April 1966, of Parc An Tansys, Tansys, Camborne TR14 7PH – kept a dog and two cats in squalid conditions
Maria Warren was found guilty, in her absence, at an earlier hearing and was brought back to the court on warrant for sentencing.
The RSPCA had issued a warning notice to Warren on 3 May 2019, explaining that her pets were not living in a suitable environment. Warren failed to follow the charity’s advice and later denied access to them, causing concern for the welfare of the animals inside.
On June 7, 2019, a warrant was executed by the police where two cats, known as Midge and Smudge, and a dog, known as Finlay, were rescued.
Subsequent examination by a veterinary surgeon concluded that Midge was suffering as he was underweight, with extensive fur loss, scabbing and live fleas.
RSPCA Inspector Paul Kempson said: “The ground floor living room and kitchen were extremely messy with what appeared to be bags of general rubbish covering all of the floor area to a depth of about two feet.
“This rubbish was also covered in what appeared to be cat and dog faeces in various places. The kitchen was in a state of complete disarray with rubbish all over the floor, every work surface and the sink was piled high with unwashed dishes.
“Throughout the ground floor there were many hazards for the dog and cats inside the property, including empty dog and cat food tins all over the place.
“This case highlights how pet owners must follow advice, or seek help and support if they are struggling to cope with a situation they find themselves in.
“By failing to do this, and by displaying incompetent care, these animals were found in these awful conditions.”
In mitigation, the court heard that this was well intended but incompetent care and that the neglect of the animals was not deliberate.
Sentencing | ordered to pay £300 Banned from keeping animals for life with the right of appeal after three years.