CONVICTED (2018) | hobby breeder Sue McVay, born c. 1960, of Beanley Avenue, Lemington, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 8SP –  neglected multiple cats and guinea pigs and kept them in squalor. McVay was found guilty of causing suffering to animals after failing to attend court in a case brought by the RSPCA. An RSPCA inspector visited McVay’s address on 3 April 2017 after a report from a concerned member of the public. The inspector recalled being met with a horrible smell as she entered the property. Floors were covered in animal faeces and rubbish The inspector discovered six cats  all of whom were underweight and covered in faeces. One of them had an untreated burst abscess. The inspector then discovered 12 neglected guinea pigs living in filthy cages. The animals were taken to the vet to be examined during which two of the cats were found to be suffering. One named Ruby appeared to have conjunctivitis as well as an ear disease while another named Saki was underweight and suffering from oral diseases. The animals are currently recovering in foster homes. Sentencing | a total of £630 costs and fines and an unspecified ban on keeping animals.  The Chronicle