A COUPLE have been banned indefinitely from keeping animals after dogs were found living in filthy conditions in Lichfield without access to water. Tom Rice and Lauren Rice were sentenced at Cannock Magistrates Court after an investigation by Lichfield District Council’s environmental health team.
It came following a tip-off about the welfare of animals at a property on Reynolds Close.
Council officers attended with a veterinary surgeon and found cages covered in faeces, with mouse droppings in and around them.
Dog faeces were also found in a box on the kitchen worktop and across several downstairs rooms, while the animals had no access to water. Two dogs were safely removed from the property and taken to kennels to receive care. 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 the welfare of an animal. They were both sentenced to a 12-month Community Order, including 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days, as well as fines and costs totalling £734 each. The pair also face an indefinite disqualification from keeping animals in future.
Cllr Richard Cox, cabinet member for community and public protection at Lichfield District Council, 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.
"We also rely on residents to tell us when they are concerned about an animal. If you believe an animal is being neglected or mistreated, please report it to us so our team can look into it."
To make a report, visit the council's animal welfare web page.
