Couple kept 46 dogs in their filthy lounge
A COUPLE have admitted animal cruelty after RSPCA inspectors found more than 50 pets, including 46 dogs and a monkey, living in their lounge.
The menagerie at the home of Adrian Hankey, aged 63, and 60-year-old Margaret Whitby, in Fairclough Place, Stanfields was discovered after neighbours raised concerns.
Yesterday, at North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court in Newcastle, the pair pleaded guilty to 18 charges of causing unnecessary suffering, and 13 charges of failing to look after an animal's welfare.
Andrew Meachin, prosecuting, said: "There were 35 adult dogs, 11 puppies, three rabbits, one kitten, two hamsters, a tortoise, one parrot, one parakeet, two love birds and one monkey at the address.
"In October 2008 a report was made to the RSPCA. They were told there were about 10 dogs and assorted animals at the house, and the dogs were always barking and never let out.
"RSPCA Inspector Julie Lyons investigated on October 17. She could immediately see a large number of dogs. It was very dark and humid, and the smell of ammonia was unbearable. Her eyes began to sting and she had to leave because she began to be very poorly."
The court heard that a vet from The Shires in Hanley arrived shortly afterwards to examine the animals.
Mr Meachin said: "She said there was dog faeces all over the room. There were many dogs throughout the room – too many to count.
"Along with the dogs in the lounge there were a number of caged animals, all in filthy conditions.
"The rabbits were in hutches in the garden. They appeared to be bodily OK, but there was faeces three to four inches deep in the hutches, a lot of mouldy food and algae in the drinking bottles.
"After examining the animals the vet found 18 had been caused unnecessary suffering."
The court heard Hankey worked seven nights a week as a hospital security guard.
Whitby, a retired care worker, had moved in with him eight years ago and it was then the pair started collecting animals.
Robert Hill, defending the couple, said: "They are decent people who have been completely overwhelmed. Mrs Whitby said people threw their animals out because they couldn't cope with them, and she took them in.
"They spent all their spare time dealing with the animals and just couldn't cope."
Magistrates adjourned the case until July 7 for pre-sentence reports.
7 Comments
by Warren, Meir
Monday, June 22 2009, 6:17PM
“Dirty gits.
A monkey, what the hell were they doing with a monkey, and how ruddy long had these poor liveing things been withstanding sutch outragus condisions. It must have been like a zoo, for christ sake. I'd just lock both of them up and melt the key down.”
by Anon, crewe
Sunday, June 21 2009, 9:53AM
“Dee, I know what you mean, I've just had an alsation by me for 2 years howling best part of the day...... young people seem to get a big dog or some sort of animal as soon as they move out of their parents house these, they don't actually realise animals like this require as much care & attention as a kid. ( alsations being very intelligent dogs get very lonely )”
by shaun, stone
Saturday, June 20 2009, 10:16PM
“when tey get sentenced, lock them up in a cell and don't clean it out for the term they get sent down for...let them suffer the same conditions”
by Dee, Newcastle
Saturday, June 20 2009, 7:56AM
“This is more and more common these days where people have animals but just cant deal with the basic needs of their pet.
A young woman near me moved in a month ago with a big dog which spends most of its time alone howling as she seems to be going work early evening and not getting back until after 7 in the morning.
These people do not deserve to have a pet.”
by anon 2, Stoke on Trent
Saturday, June 20 2009, 7:53AM
“Re: anon, stoke-on-trent.
The Neighbourhood Impact Officers do deal with issues relating to the neighbourhood but how would they know that the house was housed for so many animals and raise concerns (that had already been raised) unless of course the house was a City Council property then this would have been picked up on regular visits......if it is a privately owned property, this wouldnt happen though......”
by Steve, Longton
Saturday, June 20 2009, 7:33AM
“I don't think that this couple need charging they need help and support. To live in conditions like that they must have mental health issues. It's amazing that the only organised bodies apparently involved, are the RSPCA and the court. Yes it is proper and fitting to quickly rehouse the animals but where is mention of the social services, as this couple seem to have great personal problems and should be protected against their own actions.”
by anon, stoke-on-trent
Saturday, June 20 2009, 6:43AM
“Where were the Neighbourhood Impact Team, they are around were I live every week, checking people have cut their grass, looking over walls to check what plants I grow, checking bins are used properly, the list goes on. So how come they have been able to keep all those animals when they moan I have put a 3 foot apple saplin in.”