FIONA AND HELEN MARTIN SENTENCED IN LEEDS FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT

Fiona Martin, born on September 18, 1966, and her daughter Helen Martin, born on December 11, 1984, both residents of Kitson Street, Leeds LS9 8PH, were convicted in 2025 for neglecting their pets by keeping two dogs and two cats in deplorable conditions with no access to food or water.

Helen Martin, identified as a serial animal abuser, was already banned from keeping animals for life following a 2018 cruelty conviction. The mother and daughter pleaded guilty to failing to care for their pets, which included a male and female cat, a male French bulldog, and a female German Shepherd.

The RSPCA had previously issued a warning notice advising the Martins to clean their property and to take one of the dogs for veterinary treatment for a skin condition. However, they did not comply.

Animal Rescue Officer Aleesha Haddlesey described the situation to the court: “The conditions in the front room were unsuitable and there was a strong smell of ammonia. A French bulldog named Tyson had irritated skin caused by a flea infestation, with redness, scabs, and fur loss across his body. A German Shepherd named Lady also had no access to food or water.

“There were faeces and urine on the floor, and rubbish and clutter everywhere. I asked to see the cats and followed Fiona upstairs. My boots were squelching due to the stairs being soaked in urine. The conditions were just as bad as downstairs.

“The cats were locked in the bathroom. They were both bright, active, and alert but skittish. A male and female cat, Oxo and Angel, were living in a cluttered bathroom with no access to food or water.

“I observed a litter box covered with multiple faeces, and there was no food or water available for them.

“Fiona Martin stated the cats didn’t have outside access. When asked if any other rooms were in better condition, she said her bedroom was, but she was unwilling to move the animals there.”

The officer was given permission to take the pets for veterinary attention, and they were immediately transferred to Greater Manchester Animal Hospital. All four animals recovered and were subsequently rehomed.

RSPCA Inspector Joanne Taylor commented: “The animals were living in wholly unacceptable conditions and their most basic needs were not being met. The seriousness of this case was heightened by the fact that one of the defendants was knowingly keeping pets despite a lifetime disqualification order.”

Regarding the sentencing: Helen Martin received a suspended eight-week prison sentence for two years, while Fiona Martin was sentenced to a 12-month community order with up to ten days of ‘rehabilitation’. Both were ordered to pay costs of £400 and a £114 victim surcharge. Additionally, both are now banned indefinitely from keeping animals.