A Lichfield couple have been banned indefinitely from keeping animals after two dogs were found living in filthy conditions without access to water.
Tom Rice and Lauren Rice were sentenced at Cannock Magistrates' Court on 8 September following a prosecution brought by Lichfield District Council.
The council said its Environmental Health team began investigating after receiving a report about animals at a property on Reynolds Close. Officers attended with a veterinary surgeon.
According to the council, cages were covered in faeces and mouse droppings were found in and around them. Dog faeces were also found on a kitchen worktop and across several downstairs rooms, while the dogs had no access to water.
Two dogs were removed from the property and taken to kennels for care.
Court orders indefinite bans
Both defendants pleaded guilty to offences under sections 4 and 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, relating to causing unnecessary suffering and failing to ensure an animal's welfare.
Each received a 12-month community order containing ten Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days. The court also imposed fines and costs totalling £734 for each defendant.
The indefinite disqualification prevents them from owning or keeping animals, participating in their care, or being involved in arrangements concerning their control or transportation. They cannot apply to have the order lifted for at least ten years.
Councillor Richard Cox, Lichfield District Council's cabinet member for community and public protection, said: “The conditions these dogs were living in were completely unacceptable. Our officers worked with a veterinary professional to ensure they were safely removed and cared for, and this prosecution demonstrates that we will act where animal welfare laws are being broken.”
The council is asking residents to report concerns about animal cruelty or neglect to its Environmental Health team.
The prosecution details and body-worn camera images were supplied by Lichfield District Council.
