COUPLE BANNED FROM KEEPING PETS
A pair responsible for housing a dozen dogs in a single room have been barred from keeping animals following an inspection that uncovered deplorable conditions.The inspection revealed that eight of the dogs were confined in cages lacking bedding, water, or food.
An RSPCA inspector characterised the scene as “shocking,” with dog faeces visible on the walls and floors coated in fur and waste.
Kieran Hands, aged 33, and April Pearce, aged 32, faced a five-year ban on pet ownership and received 18-week prison sentences, which were suspended for two years.
The sentences were handed down during a hearing at Blackburn Magistrates Court on April 4.
During a previous court hearing, both individuals admitted to nine animal welfare offences, following a prosecution initiated by the RSPCA.
According to magistrates, inspector Emma Dingley visited the property on June 25 after the charity received a distress call regarding a dog with matted fur.
Upon arrival, Pearce and Hands told her that their dogs appeared “scruffy,” denying any animal welfare concerns.
In her evidence, inspector Dingley said: “Conditions in the house were very poor, very dirty and there were lots of hazards.
"The smell of dog faeces and urine hit me as soon as I entered the property.
“There were dogs in the front room of the house and the kitchen and multiple dogs loose and caged in the living room.
“I could hear more dogs in the front room so asked if I could have a look at these.
The conditions in this room were shocking.
“The smell of ammonia was so bad it made my eyes water and made me cough.
“There were crates on top of crates, all containing dogs.
None of these crates had any bedding in them and all the dogs were standing on the wire base of the crates.
There was no food or water in any of them.” During the hearing, it was revealed that a bearded dragon named Mal resided in a vivarium placed on a kitchen countertop, alongside Tazz, a large crossbreed Malamute dog restricted behind a gate.
The defendants, Pearce and Hands, had made an attempt to remove Mal’s heavily matted coat, but only succeeded in shaving a small section on his back.
The inspector Dingley described Mal’s foul smell and noted his fur was yellowed.
Both accused denied having any other animals, but authorities discovered upstairs two cats, Thunder and Rain, both showing significant skin issues and in poor health, along with seven pet rats in a bedroom.
Malibu, a terrapin, was found living in a bath that contained water but lacked any dry area, heating, or UV exposure.
An empty ‘First Strike K9’ spray bottle was discovered in front of a crate; when the inspector picked it up, all the dogs in the vicinity stopped barking.
The defendants admitted to using the spray to quieten the animals.
All animals were seized and taken into the care of the RSPCA, then transported to the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for thorough examination.
The vet’s assessment revealed that the dogs—including various breeds such as huskies, collies, a Staffordshire bull terrier, and a chihuahua—were suffering from unkempt coats and fleas.
Six of the dogs and both cats were in a deplorable state, with some dogs experiencing painful, stiff limbs.
Following veterinary advice, one dog was euthanised due to severe injuries in its legs and back.
The majority of animals have already been rehomed through the charity.
It was explained to the court that Pearce and Hands were passionate about animals but had taken in too many rescue pets.
Pearce had recently lost her employment, and her partner worked six days a week, placing the entire responsibility for animal care on her.
She stated she was aware of her responsibilities but had not identified some of their health issues and had attempted to treat them herself without consulting a veterinarian.
The court sentenced both to a two-year community order, including 25 rehabilitation activity days, along with a suspended prison sentence and five-year disqualification from owning animals.
They were also ordered to pay £600 in costs plus a surcharge of £154.
