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Animal ban over dogs found in 'filthy' conditions

Andrew BartonYorkshire
RSPCA The image shows a group of seven puppies milling around on a small, dirty, carpeted floor space. A wicker basket with plastic bottles containing cleaning products is in the far right of the pic. A blue fabric shoe and the bottom of a human leg can be seen on the right of the pic.RSPCA
Most of the dogs had been rehomed since being taken from the house, the RSPCA said

A woman has been banned from keeping animals for five years after 30 dogs were found in "filthy conditions" at her home.

Ginette Warne, 59, kept lurchers and terriers in her house at Loftus, near Staithes, which was filled with "faeces, urine, rotten food and rat droppings", according to the RSPCA.

Inspectors rescued all the dogs, including pregnant terriers which later gave birth to a further eight puppies.

At Teesside Magistrates' Court earlier this month, Warne was also given a 12-month community order, including rehabilitation days and unpaid work.

The court heard on 2 December that RSPCA officers who entered Warne's home were hit by an "overpowering stench of urine and faeces".

Inspector Gemma Lynch said: "Floors were soaked and hazards were scattered throughout.

"Rotten food and rat droppings littered the property, leaving no clean space for the dogs. The smell was so strong I had to leave."

RSPCA The photograph shows a brindle-coated lurcher standing indoors on a light-coloured floor. The dog has a narrow face with large, expressive eyes looking toward the camera. A person, dressed in dark clothing and black shoes is holding the dog by the back of its neck.RSPCA
Two-year-old lurcher Rocket was one of two dogs still looking for a new home, the RSPCA said

Inspector Lynch said: "There were a large number of adult lurchers and lurcher puppies loose.

"The environment was totally unsuitable for them to be living in. I could not see any clean or comfortable resting area."

In written evidence to the court, RSPCA inspector Catherine Maddison said: "The surfaces of the property appeared dirty throughout, including the walls.

"There was no clean area available for the animals as far as I could see and hazards were strewn amongst all the clutter."

Another inspector described how he saw "puppies everywhere, jumping around" surrounding a female dog and trying to feed from her.

Officers said three dogs were found confined to a yard, while two more were kept in a van outside.

RSPCA The image depicts a narrow kitchen space with countertops on both sides and a doorway leading to another room in the background. The floor is heavily littered with trash, food packaging, and miscellaneous items.RSPCA
The RSCPA said rooms in the property were covered with rubbish and faeces

An RSPCA spokesperson said that, in total, 30 dogs were rescued: 19 lurcher puppies, four adult lurchers, six Jack Russell terriers and one Jack Russell puppy.

"A vet confirmed all needed immediate removal. Two terriers later gave birth to eight puppies in RSPCA care, with three dogs put to sleep on medical grounds," they said.

Many of the animals had been rehomed through RSPCA centres and charities, with animals taken to centres in Great Ayton, Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford, Doncaster, Rotherham, Keighley, Craven and Upper Wharfedale, they added.

Meanwhile, two lurchers, called Rocket and Arti, were still waiting to be rehomed, the spokesperson said.

RSPCA staff appealed for "patient, experienced families with older children" to come forward and offer them a home".

Inspector Lynch said: "Conditions inside were extremely poor for humans and animals alike.

"We're delighted most dogs have recovered and are now enjoying life in loving homes."

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