Animal ban for woman who left animals to starve

A woman whose pets were found starving in a rubbish-filled property has been banned from keeping animals for 15 years.

Whitney Williams (date of birth 07/04/1993), of Stud Lane, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to four animal welfare offences, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

The animal welfare charity began an investigation after four dogs and a cat were found living in an unsanitary environment with large amounts of faeces and no food or water was seized by police.

The cat and dogs - including a mum and her young pup - were all underweight with their bones visible through their fur. 

Williams had also failed to provide vet care or treatment over a prolonged period for one of her dogs who had severe, chronic hip and stifle pathology in one of his hind legs, which he could not use at all. Sadly vets were unable to save him and he had to be put to sleep because of the severity of his condition.

In their report, the vet who examined the dogs and cat said: "In my professional opinion on a veterinary basis, the owner of these five animals failed to meet the animals' basic needs, specifically the failure to provide an adequate environment, reasonably clean, free of hazards, with comfortable bedding and a separate toilet area. Photographic evidence shows this clearly. 

"None of these animals were provided with an adequate diet, either in quality or quantity, as evidenced by their poor body condition score.  They also failed to provide access to any drinking water at all. All the dogs displayed a ravenous appetite and drank excessively when offered food and water in the consulting room. 

"In all five cases, the unnecessary suffering was directly related to their underweight status, as malnutrition is associated with psychological and physical stress. It is very mentally distressing to suffer from hunger and have no means to satisfy it. 

"In addition, the mother and her pup, who were those with the lower body condition score, have an increased nutritional requirement, due to their lactating and growing status respectively, which was not met. The mother’s increased metabolic requirements during pregnancy and when lactating, represented an increased burden on her body reserves, which were depleted. Likewise, the pup’s increased metabolic needs due to his growing state, were not met by an undernourished mother."

Alongside the 15-year disqualification from keeping animals, which she can not appeal for five years, she was also ordered to pay £164 she was subject to an ISC (Intensive Supervision Court) Order for 18 months with requirements of 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days and a six-month alcohol treatment order.

In mitigation, it was said she is remorseful and now accepts full responsibility.

RSPCA Inspector Vicki Taylor, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: "Our pets are completely reliant on us for their care. Leaving animals without food, water or much-needed veterinary treatment compromises their health and welfare.

"If any pet owner is struggling to care for their animal we’d encourage them to reach out to a local charity or organisation who can help."

The surviving dogs and cat were all signed over into the care of the RSPCA and have now been rehomed.