Woman given 10-year ban after animals' suffering

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A woman has been banned from keeping all animals for 10 years after those in her care were found suffering and neglected in unsuitable conditions.

Anik Sexton, 70, from West Parley, Dorset, was convicted of five counts of causing unnecessary suffering to chickens and cats arising from neglect after a prosecution brought by the RSPCA.

The charity, which first visited her home over concerns in 2020, said it had tried to get Sexton to take better care of the animals but saw no improvement a year later.

Sexton was fined £8,000, told to pay £71,720.28 in costs and cannot challenge her animal ban for six years.

The RSPCA visited Sexton's home again in September 2021 and found widespread suffering, including to cats in cramped cages and chickens suffering with multiple conditions.

Officers found 13 of the chickens with bumblefoot, a painful bacterial infection on the bottom of birds' feet, and respiratory disease, mite infestations and other preventable conditions.

The ailments had been caused by the animals' inadequate housing, lack of bedding and Sexton failing to get them suitable treatment, the RSPCA said.

Two cats were found in cages with no access to food and clean water, with both underweight and suffering from severe dental disease.

A kitten was found with a fractured spine, complete hind limb paralysis and infected wounds to its hind paws.

A vet concluded it was suffering from severe, continuous pain and was euthanised.

RSPCA inspector Patrick Bailey said after sentencing on 1 June at Bournemouth Crown Court: "This was a large investigation involving a significant number of animals.

"Prior to the legal proceedings, my colleagues and I visited Miss Sexton on a number of occasions and each spent a considerable amount of time trying to educate and encourage her to make improvements to the way she kept her animals."

He added: "It was distressing to see so many animals in small, dirty, unsuitable environments.

"We talked at length, offered help, practical advice and guidance [in 2020] and issued various improvement notices and warning notices requesting changes be made, yet we failed to see any significant improvement in the welfare of her animals and action needed to be taken."