A neglectful dog breeder has been jailed after RSPCA inspectors found dozens of animals at her home in a terrible state.
Lynn Stoker, 62, of Raw House Farm, Byrness, Northumberland had vehemently denied the commission of sixteen offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, but was convicted at trial on 15th August 2019. The maximum penalty for these summary offences is 26 weeks in custody and/or an unlimited fine.
Stoker was convicted of eleven offences contrary to section 4 of the Act (causing or allowing the unnecessary suffering of an animal) and five offences contrary to section 9 of the Act (failing to ensure the welfare of an animal).
During the trial District Judge Bernard Begley, sitting at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court in Bedlington, heard that Stoker bred far more dogs than she was able to sell, house or address the welfare needs of.
Stoker initially sought the help of the RSPCA in rehoming some of her animals, but when relations turned sour the animal welfare charity obtained a warrant under section 23 of the Act allowing them to enter Raw House Farm and gather evidence against her.
The court heard that inspectors found 113 dogs, two cats and three tortoises at the isolated property. Many of he dogs were packed into overcrowded cages, the floors of which were soaked in urine. Three dogs had fractured jaws, as a result of severe dental disease and having been crammed so tightly into cages. Many had chronic health problems, which had gone untreated for months or even years. There was also insufficient clean drinking water.
Prosecutor Stewart Haywood told the court that many of the animals were "at an advanced stage of suffering".
He added that Stoker had failed to co-operate with RSPCA, accusing the charity of a "conspiracy" to remove her dogs and sell them on at a profit for themselves.
Throughout the trial Stoker, who had been a dog breeder for 25 years, denied that any of the animals were in bad health at the time they were seized by the RSPCA. She maintained that she had a strict daily regime of looking after the needs of the animals.
At last Thursday's sentencing hearing Paul Blanchard, mitigating, told Judge Begley: "It's fair to say circumstances had got beyond my client.
"She has the traits of a hoarder, which is a personality disorder. This wasn't a deliberate act, it's a reckless act.
"She was not dealing with matters as she could have done, she closed her eyes to the reality of the situation."
Judge Begley, passing sentence, said: "The report I've read shows a repetition of the assertions made by you during the trial of a lack of any fault, the conspiracy of others and, somewhat predictably, not a shred of remorse.
He added: "I really can't find any redeeming features in your case."
Stoker was sentenced to 21 weeks immediate custody.
She was ordered to pay £50,000 towards the RSPCA's prosecution costs and an order was made banning her from breeding or keeping animals for at least 15 years.
No comments:
Post a Comment