Briton Ferry defendant disqualified from keeping animals for seven years after RSPCA investigation
A BRITON FERRY man has been banned from keeping animals for seven years after admitting failing to provide a suitable environment for three cats and two kittens found living among rubbish, hazards and animal waste.
Jordan Brian Saunders, 29, of Victoria Street, Briton Ferry, appeared before Swansea Magistrates’ Court on June 3 for sentencing after pleading guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act.
Saunders admitted failing to meet the welfare needs of three cats – Arianna, Carlos and Cole – and two kittens by not providing them with a suitable living environment.
Magistrates imposed a seven-year disqualification from keeping all animals. He was also handed a 12-month community order, ordered to complete up to 10 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, fined £200 and ordered to pay £400 in costs.
The court also made an order allowing any further animals in his possession to be removed into the care of the RSPCA.
During mitigation, the court heard Saunders was remorseful and regretted his actions.
RSPCA concerns over living conditions
The court heard that RSPCA officers had attended Saunders’ address on several occasions. Concerns escalated on January 14 when Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Black visited the property to check on the welfare of the animals.
In a statement read to the court, DCI Black described seeing the cats through windows and the letterbox.
“Through the letterbox and gaps in the windows I became concerned once again for the living conditions of the animals,” she said.
“As I looked through the letterbox I saw two small black kittens playing amongst rubbish on the floor. I saw empty dishes, no food or water and rubbish all over the floor.
“I also saw a white and black cat who I believed to be Arianna sitting on a sofa that was filled with rubbish. There was a very poor smell coming from inside the flat.”
DCI Black said she later observed another cat, believed to be Cole, sitting on a filthy window sill while the room behind him was “full of rubbish and hazards”.
After repeated attempts to contact Saunders failed, police assistance was requested.
Although Saunders initially refused access to the property, he later agreed to allow inspectors inside on January 16.
‘Overwhelmed by the smell’
When DCI Black returned with Animal Rescue Officer Paula Milton, conditions inside the property were described as shocking.
“I was overwhelmed with the smell,” DCI Black told the court.
“There was an awful smell of ammonia that was affecting my nose and eyes from within the front room.
“Loose in the living room I saw the two previously seen adult cats Arianna and Carlos as well as two small black kittens who were playing amongst the rubbish.
“The floor was bare, hard concrete and was stained with dirt and grime. Areas of the floor were clear but other areas were full of rubbish, hazards and animal waste.”
The officers noted that food, water and a litter tray had been provided, but concerns remained over the overall environment.
Saunders agreed to sign over three of the cats into the care of the RSPCA, while Arianna and Carlos were seized by police.
Cats found in good condition despite environment
Veterinary examinations found all five cats to be in generally good physical condition.
Nine-year-old Arianna was found to have a heart murmur that was not causing any current health problems. Carlos, aged three, was diagnosed with mild gingivitis, while one-year-old Cole showed no obvious health issues.
The two kittens, aged around nine weeks, were also found to be in good body condition.
However, the examining vet concluded that the accommodation was unsuitable.
“The living situation was not a suitable one for the cats,” the vet stated.
“Despite the warning and advice given previously, the owner has failed in their duty of care by failing to provide for the animals’ needs.”
Cats rehomed
Cole and the two kittens have since been successfully rehomed. Following the court hearing, Arianna and Carlos were formally signed over to the RSPCA and will now also be rehomed.
Speaking after sentencing, DCI Black thanked those involved in the case.
“We’d like to thank everyone involved, including the police, for their help and assistance,” she said.
“We always try to work with owners and deal through advice and education and there is often a lot of prevention work carried out.
“Every animal deserves to be treated with kindness and respect and if you are responsible for a pet you must make sure all their welfare needs are met.”
