Woman who abandoned 35 puppies in caravan avoids jail
Micaela Anderson-Letts left a dog and 35 puppies in a caravan in 2021- one of the puppies died a short time later
- Published
A woman who abandoned a dog and 35 puppies in a dilapidated caravan has avoided jail.
Labradors, dachshunds and French bulldogs were found living in a "state of squalor" on an industrial estate in Lister Road, Eastbourne, in July 2021.
Faeces and urine-soaked cardboard was discovered on the floor of the caravan, as well as exposed wires, nails, screws and broken pieces of wood, Sussex Police said.
At Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on Tuesday, Micaela Anderson-Letts, 35, was given a two-year suspended prison sentence.
She was also disqualified from owning and keeping all animals.
Police were alerted to the caravan by a member of public who was concerned for the animals' welfare.
Officers and RSPCA inspectors forced entry and discovered 35 puppies and one adult dog, 14 of which were admitted for hospitalisation.
All the animals have since been rehomed, apart from one dachshund puppy who died from starvation and dehydration, police said.
All the animals that survived have since been rehomed
Inquiries revealed the caravan was registered to Anderson-Letts, of Sunbury, Surrey, who was arrested.
She pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
PC Marie Jenner said the conditions the animals were living in were "completely uninhabitable".
"The dogs were retrieved from the caravan and placed in makeshift pens, where we provided them with bowls of water. They were drinking uncontrollably, which gave an indication of their desperation to rehydrate," she said.
"A vet arrived on scene and explained that the dogs were suffering – and would continue to suffer if left in these conditions – and therefore they were seized under the Animal Welfare Act."
PC Jenner said it transpired that Anderson-Letts had previously been issued an animal banning order.
Judge Marcus Tregilgas-Davey said Anderson-Letts was "disgraceful" and "unkind" to animals.
Labrador, dachshund and French bulldog puppies were discovered, as well as one adult dog
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