MICHAELA WAYMAN FROM SEAHAM CONVICTED FOR NEGLECTING GUINEA PIG WHITEY

Michaela Wayman, also known as Michaela Cole and born on 24 March 1989, of Byron Lodge Estate in Seaham SR7 0JY, was convicted in 2025 for neglecting her guinea pig, Whitey.

Wayman, a single mother of four, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act related to Whitey. She admitted causing unnecessary suffering by neglecting to address Whitey's weight loss and failing to provide essentials such as food, water, bedding, foraging opportunities, or a clean living environment, breaching her duty of care.

RSPCA Inspector Clare Wilson recounted that she was called to Wayman's home in February 2024 following a report from a member of the public about two dead guinea pigs in a very dirty hutch. When Wayman answered the door, she led the inspector to the back garden, where Inspector Wilson found Whitey's body inside a hutch filled with guinea pig faeces and urine. The surrounding area contained tyres and rubbish, and signs indicated rats had attempted to burrow into the enclosure.

Whitey’s condition was dire; he had no bedding or dry space to rest, and his food bowls contained only dirty, scummy rainwater or mouldy fruit—a banana and an apple. Wayman stated she had owned Whitey for about nine months, and he had died the previous week.

Inspector Wilson noted that Whitey was approximately six years old and, upon examination, felt his bones protruding, indicating severe underweighting. She said, “Whitey was found to be extremely underweight with no muscle felt and all bones felt just under the skin.”

A veterinarian examined Whitey's remains and concluded that his needs were not met due to her failure to investigate his poor body condition, and that his suffering had persisted for at least two weeks.

In her mitigation, Wayman’s solicitor explained that she had been struggling with mental health issues and family problems, having recently separated from her husband and lost her job, while also caring for her family.

Inspector Wilson expressed her feelings after the case: “It was very upsetting to find Whitey dead in such a dirty hutch and to think about him starving to death. It’s important that people think carefully about the long-term commitment of any animal and make sure they are willing and able to meet their needs over time. Guinea pigs have complex feeding requirements and are social animals, so they should not be kept alone.”

In sentencing, Wayman received a 12-month community order, including 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirements, along with a fine of £360 plus a £114 victim surcharge. She is also banned from keeping any animals for five years, until January 2030.