DERBY TELEGRAPH (UK) 07 October 13 Life ban after lizard, dogs and terrapins had been neglected (Sarah North)
A Lizard, two dogs and two terrapins were rescued from neglect in an RSPCA action which left a couple banned for life from keeping pets.
The creatures were discovered after the animal charity was told of pets living in poor conditions in a rented house, a court heard.
The two dogs and bearded dragon lizard were kept in poor conditions but all have returned to health after being rescued by the RSPCA.
Inspector Sarah Gardner noticed "an overwhelming stench" and saw two terriers each in a puppy crate, although both were adult. Neither had food or water and the bedding was "sodden newspaper."
And she discovered the terrapins when she looked into a tank full of muddy water, magistrates in Derby heard. The pair were given a series of instructions on keeping pets and made an appointment with a vet. But nothing was done to improve the care and they never went to the vet, said John Sutcliffe, prosecuting.
When the inspector returned a fortnight later on January 14, the pair had got another pet, a bearded dragon which needed to live under an ultra violet lamp to help absorb vital vitamins.
By that time, the home's electricity supply had been cut off, although there was a bulb fitted in the vivarium.
The bearded dragon – a type of lizard – appeared to be dead but was revived and found to be suffering from stress and hypothermia, said Mr Sutcliffe.
All the pets made a good recovery and have been rehomed. The dogs – Tia and Rio – were underweight but quickly regained full health, indicating they had no illnesses. Mr Sutcliffe added: "They returned to normal, simply receiving proper care and adequate diet."
But vets said the dogs had suffered for at least four weeks and would have died within days if the RSPCA had not intervened.
Prison terms of 18 weeks, suspended for a year, were imposed on Anderson, 27, and Bagnall, 28, now both of Crewe Street, Derby. They admitted causing unnecessary suffering to animals and failing to provide proper care in Ilkeston in January.
Anderson was ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work and both were put on probation for a year. They must each pay £500 prosecution costs at £5 weekly.
Wayne Hardy, for the couple, said they had turned to keeping pets after suffering family losses.
They had never been in trouble before, accepted responsibility and feared jail.
He told the court: "While this is a very emotive subject, I would ask whether it would be right to impose a sentence of immediate custody.
"We have two vulnerable people here. They have difficulty looking after themselves, never mind looking after a menagerie of animals.
"They have limited understanding and limited means. It was extremely difficult for them in the circumstances. This was not a case of deliberately causing unnecessary suffering.
"They did not have the necessary means and adequate skills for the care they needed. Hindsight is a marvellous thing and perhaps somebody, family members, could have assisted.
"They were trying their best to put the plan into action after the suggestions by the RSPCA," added Mr Hardy.
Magistrate Katherine Heap said the pair could be jailed if they commit another offence. "The suffering was due to unsuitable conditions and long-term neglect," she added after studying photographs and probation reports.
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