BARBARA HERBERT'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN LLANISHEN REVEALED

Barbara Herbert, a resident of Beverley Close in Llanishen, Cardiff, has been at the center of a disturbing animal cruelty case that drew significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare organizations. In 2018, Herbert was convicted of keeping 29 guinea pigs in deplorable conditions, an act that led to her being banned from keeping any animals for a decade.

Authorities discovered the animals living in a bedroom described as 'squalid,' where the environment was so filthy and hazardous that RSPCA staff had to wear breathing apparatus to safely enter the space. The room was found to contain over a foot and a half of straw and debris, creating an uninhabitable and dangerous habitat for the guinea pigs. It took the RSPCA officers an entire day to clear the room, during which they uncovered the extent of the neglect and suffering inflicted upon the animals.

Herbert admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the guinea pigs during the incident in August 2017. The conditions were so severe that some of the animals did not survive, succumbing to the neglect. However, the remaining guinea pigs were rescued and are currently under the care of the RSPCA, with efforts underway to find them suitable new homes.

Inspector Christine McNeil from the RSPCA expressed her concern about the case, stating, 'These 29 guinea pigs were kept in an upstairs bedroom in a squalid and entirely inappropriate environment. Fortunately, we were able to intervene, and most of the guinea pigs now have a second chance of happiness in a new forever home.'

In terms of legal consequences, Herbert received a two-year conditional discharge, a fine of £320 covering costs and fines, and a ban from keeping animals for ten years. This sentence was part of the broader effort to ensure she would not be able to repeat such neglect.

Further developments occurred in November 2019, when Herbert was found to have breached her ban on keeping animals. She was caught with two guinea pigs kept in similarly foul conditions. As a result, she was subjected to a 12-month community order, which included a ten-day rehabilitation activity requirement. Additionally, she was ordered to pay an £80 fine, £805.22 in costs, and a £90 victim surcharge. The rescued guinea pigs from this incident were also rehomed, providing them with a chance at a better life.

This case highlights the ongoing importance of animal welfare enforcement and the serious consequences faced by those who neglect or abuse animals in their care, especially in communities like Llanishen where such incidents can deeply impact local residents and animal advocates alike.