YORKSHIRE MUM AND DAUGHTER BANNED FOR NEGLECTING DOGS IN 'DISGUSTING' HOME
A mother and daughter have been prohibited from owning pets after neglecting their dogs in a particularly unsanitary home environment.Ann Warmisham, aged 72, and Hayley Warmisham, aged 42, were both given bans on pet ownership lasting more than ten years following an RSPCA legal case.
The women, residents of Whinney Hill Park in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, were found to be keeping two dogs amid appalling living conditions.
An RSPCA inspector described the property as cluttered and filthy, with rubbish, feces, and urine covering numerous rooms.
Dobby, a 13-year-old dog, was found with overgrown nails and difficulty walking, while Mickey Blue, approximately five years old, had inflamed, sore eyes.
Court proceedings revealed that Dobby was suffering from untreated chronic cystitis, and Mickey Blue had bilateral conjunctivitis.
Both animals were removed from the home on 17 May 2022.
Prior warnings had been issued in October 2021, with advice for Warmisham to enhance hygiene, trim nails, and treat fleas.
Despite these warnings, conditions persisted, and the dogs were removed with Warmisham’s approval.
The smell of ammonia in the home was so strong that an RSPCA officer reported being overwhelmed, even while using protective equipment.
Kris Walker, an RSPCA officer, recounted: “Inside the house, the ammonia odor was so pungent it caused tears, even with a mask on.
The environment was deplorable, filled with rubbish, and urine and feces marked the floors in multiple rooms.” In November 2021, it was claimed that conditions had somewhat improved, with Warmisham stating both dogs had been examined by vets.
However, further inspections in May 2022 revealed Dobby and Mickey Blue confined in a bathroom that was filthy and heavily soiled.
Walker detailed: “Opening the bathroom door revealed a very strong smell of feces and urine, far worse than elsewhere.
The floor was soaked with urine and piles of feces covered the room.
Warmisham said the dogs stayed there temporarily during plumbing work, but the evidence suggested neglect, especially given the ammonia smell, the yellow water, and the mess.” Authorities concluded that the women had failed to provide a clean, spacious, and suitable environment for the dogs and had not sought prompt veterinary care.
These failures constituted neglect of their animals’ basic needs for exercise, comfort, and health.
Both dogs received medical treatment and initially responded well; sadly, during their time in care, they developed cancers.
Veterinarians ultimately decided to euthanize the animals, with their owners' consent, to prevent continued suffering.
Court records indicated that Ann Warmisham recognized her home was unsuitable for pets, and Hayley Warmisham admitted she lacked the financial means to meet the animals’ needs.
Subsequently, at Kirklees Magistrates Court on February 7, the women received bans on keeping animals—seven years for Ann and ten years for Hayley—following the RSPCA’s successful prosecution.
Hayley Warmisham was handed a ten-year ban along with a 12-month conditional discharge, plus costs of £300 and a £22 surcharge.
Ann Warmisham received a seven-year ban, a similar discharge period, and was ordered to pay £100 in costs plus a £22 surcharge.
