WESTON WOMAN HANDED SEVEN-YEAR ANIMAL BAN FOR ABUSE OF DOGS AND SNAKE

A woman from Weston-super-Mare, Michelle Marie Steer, has been handed a seven-year ban from keeping animals after pleading guilty to three animal welfare offences involving dogs and a snake. RSPCA officers responded to reports about conditions at her residence on October 16, 2024, and discovered four puppies and four adult Staffordshire bull terriers, including a father and daughter pair bred for puppy production. Steer was also ordered to pay £400 in costs.

During sentencing, factors considered included her remorse and statements indicating she was overwhelmed by the situation. RSPCA Inspector Jo Daniel reported that two female young dogs, Kia and Koda, showed clear signs of skin issues, with Kia being underweight and suffering fur loss. Additionally, a vivarium housing a corn snake called Noodles was found in darkness, lacking heat, lighting, and water, with the snake being very cold to the touch.

Steer's 26-year-old son, Ben McKinnon, also pleaded guilty to an animal welfare offence regarding Koda, acknowledging that he was aware of her skin condition but did not do enough. He was fined £833 plus £400 costs. Inspector Jo Daniel emphasized that animals must live in proper conditions with appropriate veterinary care and suitable shelter, highlighting the importance of proper animal welfare and care standards.