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.