(Image: RSPCA Cymru)
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Five animals – three cats and two kittens – were discovered surrounded by rubbish and animal waste inside a Briton Ferry flat, and now the man responsible for their care has been disqualified from keeping any animals for seven years.
Jordan Brian Saunders, 29, of Victoria Street, admitted a single charge under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 for failing to provide a suitable environment for cats named Arianna, Carlos and Cole, along with two kittens. He was sentenced at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, June 3.
Inside the flat
RSPCA officers had attended Saunders’ property on multiple occasions before Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Black carried out a welfare check on January 14 this year. Peering through the letterbox and gaps in the windows, she grew immediately concerned about the conditions inside.
In a written statement to the court, she described seeing two small black kittens playing amongst rubbish strewn across the floor, with empty dishes and no food or water visible. A cat believed to be Arianna was spotted sitting on a sofa piled with rubbish, while Cole was perched on a filthy windowsill.
DCI Black said: “There was a very poor smell coming from inside the flat.”
When officers gained entry two days later, the full extent of the conditions became apparent. DCI Black, returning alongside Animal Rescue Officer Paula Milton, said she “was overwhelmed with the smell”.
She told the court: “There was an awful smell of ammonia that was affecting my nose and eyes from within the front room. Loose in the living room I saw the two previously seen adult cats Arianna and Carlos as well as two small black kittens who were playing amongst the rubbish. Mr Saunders told me Cole was also in the living room but was hiding, likely under the sofa.”
The floor throughout was bare concrete, stained with dirt and grime. Some areas had been cleared, but others were covered in rubbish, hazards and animal waste. Saunders had, however, provided a litter tray along with food and water for the animals.
Gaining access
Saunders had initially refused to allow DCI Black inside when she attended on January 14, failing to answer his phone or respond to knocking at all doors and windows. Police were called for assistance, and when he eventually made contact he first said he would not grant access – before agreeing to a visit on January 16.
Health of the animals
Despite the living conditions, a veterinary examination found all five animals to be in good body condition. Arianna, aged nine, had a heart murmur which was not currently causing health problems. Three-year-old Carlos had mild gingivitis near his back teeth, while one-year-old Cole and the two nine-week-old kittens showed no obvious health issues.
The vet concluded that the living situation was “not a suitable one for the cats” and noted that Saunders had failed in his duty of care despite previous warnings and advice.
The sentence
Alongside the seven-year disqualification from keeping animals, Saunders received a 12-month community order with up to 10 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. He was also ordered to pay a £200 fine and £400 in costs. Any further animals found in his possession are to be taken into RSPCA care.
The court heard in mitigation that he was remorseful and regretted his actions.
What happened to the animals
Saunders signed over three of his cats to the RSPCA, while Arianna and Carlos were taken into possession by police. Cole and the two kittens have since been rehomed, and following the hearing, Arianna and Carlos have also been signed over into the charity’s care and will now be found new homes.
DCI Black said after sentencing: “We’d like to thank everyone involved including the police for their help and assistance here. We always try to work with owners and deal through advice and education and there is often a lot of prevention work carried out. Every animal deserves to be treated with kindness and respect and if you are responsible for a pet you must make sure all their welfare needs are met.”
