| Cilcennin couple guilty of neglecting nearly 60 animals
The RSPCA has issued a warning to individuals who keep large numbers of animals after a Ceredigion couple were found guilty of neglecting nearly 60. The charity said the court had recognised the couple had not shown any malicious intent, but problems had arisen because of the certain circumstances: Mr Sheldon's chronic ill-health and Mrs Sheldon's increased work load. The charity said Aberystwyth Magistrates' Court heard that its officers visited the Sheldons' home three times in August 2011. The RSPCA warned individuals who kept many animals to care for them properly. It said they were given a 24-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £2,500 costs by magistrates. The RSPCA said the couple's animals, including dogs, cats, chickens and the horse, were housed in a wide variety of kennels, caravans and outbuildings. RSPCA inspector Simon Evans said: "This was a serious case of animal neglect on a massive scale. Joan Sheldon was also found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a Chinese Crested-type dog and a horse. "We are concerned that no confiscation or disqualification order was felt appropriate and will liaise with the defendants on returning the animals and also on safeguarding their future welfare. Iain Sheldon, 72, and Joan Sheldon, 68, of Cilcennin, were found guilty of failing to meet the welfare needs of their animals by failing to offer a suitable environment, contrary to section nine of the Animal Welfare Act, said the RSPCA. During these visits they noticed a horse with an injured leg, and a Chinese Crested-type dog with a chronic eye infection. Police renew their appeal about a missing musician after an unconfirmed sighting of him at a post office. |
Tuesday 1 May 2012
Cilcennin couple guilty of neglecting nearly 60 animals
