CONVICTED (2021) | hoarders Alan Robert Turner, born c. 1964, and Sue Elizabeth Turner, born 23 March 1961, both of Brooklands Gardens, Jaywick, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 – kept nine cats in cramped and dirty cages in a room in their house and also failed to care for a dog properly
Alan and Sue Turner were banned from keeping animals for 15 years after nine cats were found living in cramped and dirty cages in a locked room in their house.
The pair also failed to look after their dog properly. He had an untreated eye and skin infection.
The couple pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court to a number of animal welfare offences.
The court heard that the couple were keeping nine cats in small cages, covered in faeces and with little, or no food or water.
They also had a number of dogs including terrier called Dudley who was suffering from dental issues, skin disease and dry eye, and two more dogs Spangle and Amber who were not being kept in a suitable environment.
When RSPCA Inspector Adam Jones arrived at the property on 17 January 2020, he immediately noticed the small grey and white terrier type dog Dudley.
He said: “The first thing I noticed was the fur loss to a considerable area of his back end. His skin is best described as resembling an elephant. It was grey, thick, wrinkly and tough. I did not get to examine Dudley well as he hid under the sofa, however the skin was clearly an issue that had been ongoing for some time.”
Dudley was treated by a vet, who said the dog was underweight, suffering from halitosis, severe gingivitis, overgrown claws, hyper-keratinised skin, he also had yellow discharge from his eyes, a poor coat quality and alopecia on his legs and dorsum, as well as fleas. The vet report added that his dental disease would have been causing him pain as well as chronic skin disease and an eye infection.
The court heard that the vet report continued: “I believe this dog to have been suffering and I believe his suffering had been ongoing for a period of weeks to months.”
Sue Turner told inspectors that she only had two cats but several were found in the property.
In his statement, Inspector Jones said: “I was shocked to see cats piled high in the room. I entered the room and the smell was overwhelming and I struggled to breathe. There were seven cages approximately 3ft x 2ft containing nine cats. The litter trays were overflowing.
“There were 14 animals living in the property in total.”
In mitigation, the couple said they had difficult personal circumstances including disabilities and financial hardship.
Sentencing:
Alan Turner – 12-month community order with 25 days of rehabilitation activity; £1,095 in costs and charges.
Sue Turner – 12-month community order with a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement; £1,095 in costs and charges.
Both were banned from keeping all animals for 15 years and cannot appeal for at least five years.
There is Food Bowls and Litter Tray in the Cages.
But Why were these Cats kept in these Cages like this. Why didn’t they have the run of the House. You could have treated the Dog for his Eye and Skin Infection. Anti Biotic Eye Cream off the Internet. A good Bath with Flea Shampoo and Flea Drops the Following Day. Wash all their Beds and Bedding ect, in some strong Disinfectant. This wouldn’t have cost much. We all have problems with our Pets with Fleas at times.