A 29-year-old woman has been banned from owning animals for 10 years after leaving her pets to suffer in appalling conditions inside a neglected Birmingham flat.
Hayley Whitehouse pleaded guilty to three offences under the Animal Welfare Act following an investigation triggered by concerns about neglected animals at her property.
In May 2024, an animal rescue officer visited the flat after reports that two dogs had been left unattended. Although no one responded to the knock, the officer detected a strong odour of ammonia and faeces and could hear the dogs barking inside. After leaving a warning notice and sealing the door with security tape, the officer returned two days later and confirmed the tape remained intact, with the dogs still inside.
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The following day, the officer, accompanied by police, gained access to the property. Upon entry, they were met with an intense smell of urine and faeces, and the property was found to be in a state of severe disrepair. No food or water was available for the animals.
Inside were two female bull-breed dogs and a severely underweight female cat, all belonging to Whitehouse. The animals were taken into the care of the RSPCA and transferred to an RSPCA hospital, where a veterinarian confirmed that all three were underweight and had been kept in unsuitable conditions lacking adequate food, water, and care.
At Birmingham Magistrates' Court, Whitehouse from Wednesbury, West Midlands, pleaded guilty to all charges. She was handed a 12-month community order, which includes 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days, alongside a 10-year ban on keeping animals. Additionally, she was ordered to pay £50 in costs.
During sentencing, the court was informed of Whitehouse’s difficult personal circumstances, including experiences of domestic abuse and mental health challenges. She expressed remorse for her actions.
Since the incident, all three animals have been successfully rehomed.
RSPCA Inspector Vicki Taylor said, “Animals depend entirely on their owners for food, water, shelter, and care. In this case, these essential needs were completely neglected. The conditions were shockingly poor, and no animal should have to endure living like that. Help is available for those struggling — nobody should wait until an animal’s welfare is in crisis.”