Cross Hands Woman Jailed After Cruel Rodent Killings

A 28-year-old woman has been given a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to wild mice at her property in Cross Hands. 😢

Carys Ann Roberts of Cross Hands Road, Gorslas admitted to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act during a hearing at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on 17 April.

The court was told that on 20 August 2024 at Maesawel, Black Lion Road, Cross Hands, Roberts caused unnecessary suffering to seven wild mice by pouring boiling water and bleach on them, resulting in burns and subsequent death.

Evidence revealed Roberts had messaged work colleagues on WhatsApp about her intentions, and despite their pleas not to proceed, she carried out the act anyway.

It was heard that she poured approximately half a bottle of bleach in the wheelie bin before pouring the contents of the kettle – which included boiling water – on top. After about five minutes Roberts placed the bodies of the rodents into a bin bag and left the bin out for the binman for the next day.

The incident was reported to police who subsequently informed the RSPCA.

Roberts apologised in court, describing the incident as “an error of judgement.”

She received an 18-week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with 200 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £400 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge, and has been disqualified from keeping all animals for seven years.

The District Judge stated during sentencing that it was “a serious offence and animals feel pain like us and are protected by law.”

An expert veterinary report presented to the court confirmed that boiling water would have caused “severe burns” and would result in “serious pain”.

The report added: “If the burns are extensive and involve the majority of the skin surface then they are liable to be fatal. Equally depending on the quantity of water poured into the bin the rodents may potentially have drowned which would also have caused them pain, distress and suffering.”

The court heard that Roberts had other options available, including accessing pest control services or accepting an offer to have the mice released away from the property.

RSPCA Inspector Keith Hogben said: “All animals – big and small – deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.

“These mice would have suffered greatly and would have died from this intentional action. There had been an offer to release them and she had been advised not to do what she did – however other measures were not sought and sadly these mice suffered unnecessarily.”

For those concerned about mice in their homes, the RSPCA advises humane deterrents.

RSPCA Scientific & Policy Officer Rebecca Machin said: “There are several kinds of mouse in the UK, and they’re an important part of our wildlife.

“To deter mice around the home the most important thing is to remove sources of food which may attract rodents. Food should be kept in airtight and rodent-proof containers or cupboards, and make sure any crumbs are cleaned up. Cotton wool balls soaked in peppermint, eucalyptus or spearmint oil may also help deter rodents.

“If you find holes where they could be getting in, block them with ‘mouse mesh’, a kind of wire-wool rodents can’t nibble through. In the garden, plants like daffodils, wood hyacinth and alliums can help deter rodents. Keeping things tidy, and moving things like garden furniture around, can also help, as rodents are wary of unexpected changes.

“If deterrents don’t work, then a professional rodent controller will be able to remove rodents humanely. However, in the long run, it’s important to remove whatever attracted them in the first place, otherwise they may keep returning.”